Item 5I. Schedule Public Hearing for the 2026 General Fund Budget

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING ON NOVEMBER 13, 2025, AT 5:30 PM, OR AS SOON THEREAFTER AS POSSIBLE, TO RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED 2026 GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET.

Prepared By: Howard D, Koolick, Chief Financial Officer

Background:

The Park District, although not required to, has historically held a public hearing on the General Fund budget before approving and submitting the budget to the Hennepin County Board for their review. The purpose of this hearing is to provide an opportunity for the public to review the budget and provide comments to Commissioners.

Staff recommends that the public hearing be held at the next regular Board Meeting on November 13, 2025. The motion sets the time of the hearing as 5:30 or as soon thereafter as possible, meaning that the hearing should begin at 5:30 pm or, if the Board is in the middle of another agenda item, shortly after the conclusion of that item. Staff is recommending a 5:30 start to allow any interested citizens who may work until 4:30 pm or 5:00 pm time to commute to the Administrative Center to participate in the meeting.

At the end of the hearing, the Board of Commissioners will be asked to approve the budget and authorize its submittal to Hennepin County. Once submitted, the County has fifteen days to review and propose changes to the budget. The Park District budget and presentation will either be part of their committee meetings on December 2nd or go straight to the County Board on November 18th. The budget, with any input from Hennepin County, and final tax levy will be presented to Commissioners on December 18, 2025, for approval which will complete the budget process.