By Rich Larson
The City of Northfield is providing additional opportunities for residents to learn about the proposed 2027 budget, ask questions, and share feedback before the City Council makes key decisions affecting property taxes and utility rates.
In recent years, community members have consistently expressed a desire for more accessible, transparent, and easy-to-understand information about the City’s budget and financial priorities. The upcoming budget engagement sessions are part of the City’s ongoing efforts to respond to that feedback by creating more opportunities for residents to understand the budget process and participate in decision-making.
Residents can attend a Budget Information Session on August 17 at 6 p.m. in the second-floor Training Room at City Hall, 801 Washington Street. City Administrator Ben Martig will provide an overview of the proposed 2027 budget, explain how the budget process works, and outline the timeline for upcoming decisions. The session is being held in partnership with the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce, but all community members are welcome to attend. Questions may also be submitted in advance.
A Budget Listening Session will follow on August 18 at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. This session will give residents an opportunity to engage directly with City Council members, ask questions, and provide feedback on the proposed budget.
Community members who cannot attend in person can still participate by completing an online survey focused on budget options currently under consideration by the City Council.
The events build on discussions that began during the City’s July budget town hall and reflect a broader commitment to improving public engagement and transparency.
“We had thoughtful conversations at the July town hall, and we’re eager to continue those discussions,” said City Administrator Ben Martig. “We want people to better understand how budget decisions are made and to have opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback before the Council takes action.”
Additional information, meeting details, feedback opportunities, and budget resources are available at Northfield Budget Information.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
