Prior Lake’s preliminary levy adds about $70 to the city share on a median home
The Prior Lake City Council approved a preliminary 2027 city property tax levy on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and the city estimates the city portion of property taxes on a median valued home of $461,700 would increase by $70 for the year, or 4.8%. Of that increase, $15 is funding for public safety and $55 is funding for city operations and services.
The preliminary levy is $22.63 million, an increase of $1,290,646, or 6.05%, over the 2026 levy. The city announced the approval in a Sept. 10 news release, which says $16.86 million of the levy supports the general fund. The release says the preliminary levy is the maximum the city can levy against properties in 2027, and that a 6.05% levy increase does not mean property taxes rise by that amount.
The staff report lists new levy funding of $416,000 for an administrative assistant and two police officers, a proposed increase from 125.02 to 128.02 full-time equivalent positions. It also cites labor agreements with three unions and an estimated 15% increase in health insurance premiums.
Parcel-specific truth in taxation notices are mailed in November, before the public budget meetings in December.
What's next: The public hearing on the 2027 budget and levy is Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 7 pm in the City Council Chambers, where the council considers the final levy, with a continuation Dec. 22 if necessary.
I also run PriorLake.RealEstate, which has an interest in housing and property tax news.