Council sets preliminary 2027 city property tax levy at $16.02 million

Monticello city staff presented and the council set a preliminary property tax levy for 2027 of $16,020,000, representing a 5.83% increase over the prior year's levy.

Sarah explained the levy in detail: "The, alternate to the HRA levy that funds the EDA, the city also has our own levy that is proposed at $16,020,000 which is a 5.83% increase from the 2026 property tax levy." She said the levy supports operations, debt service (including public‑works bond timing), and capital maintenance. Staff provided examples estimating that a $325,000 median home with a 1.75% market value increase would see about a $13 (1.1%) change on the city property‑tax line; a $3,000,000 commercial property could see about $2,725 (12.2%) on the city line. Sarah reiterated that the preliminary levy can be lowered but not increased at the December adoption hearing.

Council members praised years of preparation and staff work on long-range projects including a water treatment plant and a public-works facility; Lee moved to set the preliminary levy and the motion passed by voice vote.