Rochester City Council to Vote on Preliminary Property Tax Levy Increase for 2027 Budget
Rochester, MN (RochesterNow)- Rochester City Council members are set to take another step towards completing the city’s 2027 budget Monday night.
See Also: Olmsted County Board Sets Preliminary 2027 Tax Levies, Credits $1.5 Million in Overbilled Funds
The vote will certify the maximum amount of property tax revenue the city can collect next year. City leaders can vote to collect less before certifying the 2027 budget.
The council will also be asked to set a date for a public hearing and vote to adopt the budget.
Rochester City Council to Vote on Setting Preliminary Tax Levy for 2027 Budget
The proposed 2027 budget totals $799,283,832. That would be an increase of just under $106 million from the overall 2026 budget of $693 million. The overall budget figure includes the operations of Rochester Public Utilities.
A $124,901,338 city property tax levy is included in the budget proposal. That represents an increase of about 5.6%, or $6.6 million, compared with the 2026 city property tax levy.
City Council agenda documents indicate the proposed increase in the property tax levy is slightly below the 5.95% increase that was adopted for this year.
City Administrator Alison Zelms is recommending a $4 million increase in Rochester's general fund spending, which would push the total to just over $141.6 million next year.
Public Safety Funding
Nearly half of the increase would be directed to the Rochester Police Department.
Overall, more than 56% of the city's general fund expenses are tied to public safety through the Rochester Police and Fire departments.
General government expenses account for 17% of general fund spending, and 16% is directed to public works.
Along with certifying the preliminary property tax levy, councilmembers will also be asked to set a December 7 date for a public hearing and vote to adopt the budget.
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