By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
The Northfield City Council meets this evening for a regular meeting.
Preliminary Levy:
The main item on the agenda is setting the preliminary tax levy for the city, which is the maximum increase the city can set for taxes for next year. The final budget and tax increase were approved in December.
The Council is set to vote on a 9.9% preliminary tax levy increase. For a home valued at $350,000, the tax increase would be $12 a month. 7.5% of the increase is the Ice Arena. Despite the increase, $1.395 million in cuts are needed, reducing road repairs and services. Mayor Erica Zweifel proposed an alternative plan to preserve Sunday library hours, raising the levy to 10.2%. Both proposals will be considered at tonight’s meeting. Councilors have been divided, with some favoring lower taxes and others warning of long-term consequences from budget cuts.
Listen to the News:
Learn more about the Budget & Tax Levy in Northfield:
Article: Northfield City Council Meets Tonight To Continue Discussion About Budget and Taxes; Preliminary Levy To Be Set On Sept. 23rd (September 19th)
Article: 2026 Budget Proposals Presented to Northfield City Council; Budget Cuts Range Between $578,000 and $2.6 million (August 15th)
Article: Northfield City Council Hears Initial Budget Proposals; Tax Levy Increase for 2026 Ranges Between 9.9% and 17.4% (July 18th)
Article: City Council Receives Audit Report; Northfield’s Finances Stay Strong Heading into 2025 (June 16th)
Article: $5 million in Future Projects Planned for the Northfield Community Resource Center (NCRC); City Submits State Bonding Request (June 24th)
Podcast: Part 1- Your Property Taxes Explained – 10 Minutes or Less
Podcast: Part II: Your Property Taxes Explained – 10 Minutes or Less
Podcast: Northfield City Council Budget & Tax Update – 10 Minutes or Less 9/17/2025
Presentations & Other Ordinances:
To start the meeting, there will be a presentation from Age Friendly Northfield with a mid-year report on the organization’s activities.
The Council will also consider amending a plan it had previously approved to move the Archery Range to Meadows Park. The original proposal moved the range to Meadows Park on the Eastside, but a new proposal is having it located on the south side of the park.
Lastly, the Council will consider reformatting the city’s boards and commissions, which include:
- Eliminate the Park and Recreation Advisory Board
- Eliminate the Arts and Culture Commission/Public Arts Commission
- Eliminate the Council Finance Policy Subcommittee, and instead bring the issues to the full City Council
- Transition the Northfield Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention from a commission to the Youth Substance Prevention Alliance Task Force
- Transition the membership of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority from separate members to being made up of the City Council.
City Staff have brought forward the proposal, citing the time dedicated to preparing for the meetings, believing the time saving can mean a better focus on projects.
The Consent Agenda:
Several items are set to be passed on the Council’s Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda is when multiple items are passed at the same time, if they are uncontroversial or have been agreed on by councilors in a prior meeting. At tonight’s meeting, it includes items like:
- Approving the Northfield Area Fire and Rescue budget, which is approved separately because of the Joint Powers Agreement with Dundas and the Townships.
- Setting the utility rates for wastewater (sewer), stormwater, and garbage. The water utility rate is set for further discussion in October before being approved.
The public is welcome to attend in person or watch online. To watch online, go to northfieldmn.gov and click the “Agenda & Minutes” button in the middle of the home page. From there, find tonight’s meeting date to watch, as well as a copy of the agenda and other meeting documents.
Tonight’s meeting takes place at 6pm in the Council Chambers of the Northfield City Hall.
Tune in tomorrow at 6:30 am for the 10 Minutes or Less Segment reviewing the outcome of the City Council Meeting, or at 8:40 am for KYMN News Conversation with Mayor Erica Zweifel and City Administrator Ben Martig.
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Do you have a news tip or press release? Send it to us email: Logan@kymnradio.net
