The most pressing topic of the meeting was the adoption of the 2025 property tax levy. Finance Director Costas presented a request for council action regarding the proposed property tax levy, which must be certified to Washington County by September 30. The proposed levy, set at $19,690,000, reflects a 6.11% increase, or $1.1 million, over the previous year. This increase means the median residential property, valued at approximately $337,000, would see an increase of about $44, or 3.42%, in their city portion of the property tax bill for 2025.

Costas detailed the various factors impacting the 2025 levy, which include the addition of four full-time positions in different departments and funding for a new park. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a proper fund balance to mitigate financial risks and emphasized transparency in city operations. The proposed levy aims to adequately fund city services, support equipment replacement, and ensure competitive compensation for staff to recruit and retain talent. The council’s action was requested to adopt the proposed 2025 property tax levy.

During the discussion, a council member initiated a motion to waive the reading and adopt Resolution 2024-71, establishing the preliminary tax levy. The motion was seconded, and the council discussed its implications. One council member emphasized that this resolution is part of a required process that began in March and is mandated by state law to be set between now and December. “We can only go down, we can only decrease the tax levy if we need to; we cannot go above it,” the member clarified. The council member also underscored the significance of this action, acknowledging the hard work of the staff over the past months.

The council member articulated that the proposed tax levy reflects the city’s growing needs, including the addition of positions in various departments such as fire, police, and administrative roles. “We don’t take tax or levy increases lightly because we know families are struggling,” the member stated, pointing to the economic challenges residents face, such as increasing costs for groceries and fuel. The council member noted the efforts made to avoid significant tax increases compared to neighboring cities, which are contemplating double-digit increases. The member also mentioned the city’s financial strategies, particularly the decision not to finance equipment through credit cards and the successful reduction of debt service costs over recent years. Although the proposed increase of 6.11% was characterized as “never ideal,” it was deemed necessary to maintain essential city operations and ensure employee pay raises.

The council invited residents to reach out with questions regarding the budget and highlighted the transparency of their financial documents, which are available online. The motion passed with all in favor, confirming the preliminary property tax levy and establishing the Truth in Taxation meeting date as December 10.

In another development, Council Member Noah Her announced his resignation. The mayor recognized Her’s contributions since he joined the council in March 2023. Her, the first Asian American council member, was acknowledged for his role in programs aimed at business retention, expansion, and attraction. The mayor expressed gratitude for Her’s balance of fiscal restraint with the needs of residents and emphasized that his insights would be missed. Her was presented with a token of appreciation, and the mayor thanked his family for their support during his tenure.

In a speech, Noah Her announced his decision to step down due to personal circumstances, including health challenges. He expressed a sense of duty to set an example for his children, emphasizing the importance of service. Her conveyed his appreciation for the council members and city staff, commending their dedication and transparency in governance. He expressed pride in the community of Oakdale and shared his admiration for the mayor’s leadership, stating, “the example that you’ve set for me…is the gold standard.”

The meeting also included proclamations by the mayor, recognizing September 11, 2024, as Patriot Day, and September 17 through 23 as Constitution Week, with September 17 designated as Constitution Day. These proclamations were made to honor the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and the drafting of the United States Constitution, respectively.

The council then moved to consensus motions, approving various items collectively, including a proposal to avoid scheduling a meeting on Christmas Eve. The meeting transitioned to staff reports, with the Finance Director providing an update on the proposed property tax levy and the council adopting the preliminary levy.

During community presentations, a council member addressed a recent tragic incident involving a murder-suicide, expressing condolences to the affected family and condemning domestic violence. The council member advocated for alternatives to such violence and emphasized the importance of community support and resources.