Item 5C. Resolution Adopting 2026 General Fund Operating Budget and Tax Levy
Superintendent's Recommendation:
MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-25, A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2026 GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET AND THE 2026 PROPERTY TAX LEVY.
Prepared By: Howard D. Koolick, Outgoing Chief Financial Officer and Shaan Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer
Background:
The Board of Commissioners approved the 2026 General Fund Operating Budget on November 13, 2025, and pursuant to state statute, it was submitted to the Hennepin County Board for consideration. The County Board reviewed the Park District's budget on November 18, 2025. Superintendent Carlson made a short presentation regarding the budget. County Commissioners commented and complimented the Park District for its work on the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, its services to community members, its stewardship of the environment, and its collaboration with cities and other partners in the region.
The last step in the budget process is to adopt Resolution No. 25-25 which confirms the budget and certifies the property tax levy. The Park District certified a preliminary levy totaling $53,550,842, comprised of an operating levy of $44,911,110 and a debt service levy of $8,639,732. The final property tax levy has decreased by $9,379 due to the debt service levy for the 2025 bonds being reduced from the original estimate due to changes in the structure of the bonds.
The Park District's overall tax levy is increasing by 4.78% when compared to the 2025 levy. The comparison of the 2026 levy to the 2025 levy and the financial impact on a variety of sample residential properties is shown on the Property Tax Comparison table.
State law requires that the levy be certified to the County within five working days from December 20. This five-day period would expire December 29, 2025. Upon adoption of the resolution, the Chief Financial Officer will complete and file the necessary documentation prior to the deadline.
Relationship to the System Plan:
The Request for Action supports the following goal(s) of the System Plan:
Goal 1: You Belong Here
Goal 2: Parks Matter
Goal 3: Lead by Example
by funding services and facilities to ensure they are available and managing the Park District's financial affairs in a responsible manner.
Attachments:
Resolution Certifying FInal Tax Levy.pdf
