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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 8, 2025 7 <br /> down on behalf of all residents. She stated she supported the levy as proposed by staff. She asked <br /> that anyone who opposed the levy to offer suggestions on what items should be cut for 2026. <br /> Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, stated he supported the proposed property tax levy <br /> increase at 15.97%. He reported the City's budgets have been underfunded for years which <br /> contributed to a culture of underfunding capital improvements. He appreciated how the new <br /> Councilmembers recognized the need for investment in long-term City goals. He stated he was <br /> pleased to see the City would be returning to a 50% general fund balance in 2026. He indicated <br /> responsible Councilmembers will support the proposed budget and tax levy increase. He <br /> commented further on how the City's franchise fees were designated to the new fire station. He <br /> encouraged the City Council to consider moving $165,000 in excess franchise fees to pay down <br /> the bond payments versus paying down the levy increase. He supported the bonds being paid <br /> down, even if this increases the levy for 2026. <br /> Chris Hughes, 3515 Snelling Avenue, thanked the Council and staff for their efforts on the 2026 <br /> budget and tax levy. He reported he appreciated seeing Arden Hills on the lower end when it <br /> comes to taxes in Ramsey County. But after some further consideration, he questioned why the <br /> City was not investing in the City. He understood low taxes were good, but that this came at an <br /> expense. He believed the City could afford to invest in itself. <br /> With no one else coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the Truth in Taxation Hearing at <br /> 8:14 p.m. <br /> B. Economic Development Authority(EDA) Membership <br /> Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson stated at its work session on December <br /> 18, 2023 and most recently again on October 10, 2025 the City Council discussed the EDA <br /> membership and potentially increasing that membership from five to seven members. Following <br /> discussion, Council consensus was to move forward with increasing the EDA membership from <br /> five to seven members, with the composition being five City Councilmembers and two members <br /> from the City's Economic Development Commission (EDC). The City Attorney has drafted the <br /> necessary resolution and ordinance amendment which will be presented under New Business item <br /> 11 B. The Council is required to hold a public hearing and the necessary notice for such was <br /> published in the Pioneer Press twice per State Statute requirements and notification was also <br /> provided on the City's website. <br /> Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 8:16 p.m. <br /> With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:17 p.m. <br /> 11. NEW BUSINESS <br /> A. Adoption of the 2026 Budget and Tax Levy <br /> • Resolution 2025-079 Setting the Final Tax Levy for Taxes Payable in <br /> 2026 <br /> • Resolution 2025-080 Adopting the Proposed 2026 Budget <br />