The council’s decision to lower the tax levy follows a truth and taxation hearing where 18 community members expressed concerns about the affordability of living in Bloomington due to rising household costs. In response, the council utilized funds from the Strategic Priority Fund to offset the levy, acknowledging the community’s feedback. City Manager Zach Walker highlighted the importance of structural changes to maintain high-quality city services while addressing affordability.

Council members expressed gratitude toward city staff for their efforts in refining the budget and tax levy. The budget discussions revealed that over half of the budget increase was allocated to public safety, particularly to support the fire department’s transition to a combination staffing model. This transition relied on fire pension reserves and grant funding. The levy increase was compared to those in other Minnesota cities, showing that, while not eliminating the financial impact on taxpayers, Bloomington’s increase was within the state’s average range.

Councilmember Rivas praised the city staff for keeping the levy under 9%, emphasizing the importance of community participation in the budget process. Councilmember Carter acknowledged the affordability crisis and the challenges posed by aging infrastructure, advocating for fiscal responsibility while ensuring quality city services. There was also a call for continued engagement with residents to reflect their concerns in future budgetary decisions.

The meeting also featured a discussion on proposed changes to the city’s fencing regulations. The council considered removing legacy language allowing fence placement along property lines, which could expose the city to legal challenges. There was consensus on the need to simplify the regulations, with particular attention to safety standards, such as the “clearview triangle” at intersections. The proposed changes included allowing eight-foot fences in backyards under specific conditions, though opinions on this were mixed, with some council members voicing concerns about aesthetics and safety.

The council addressed updates to corner yard allowances, with proposed options for different fence heights and setbacks. There was debate over which option best served residents’ needs, with concerns about balancing homeowner freedoms with community standards. The discussion also covered the inspection process for fences, with clarifications that inspections typically occur only if fences are flagged by environmental health officials.

In addition to the tax levy and fencing discussions, the council reviewed the city’s legislative platform for 2026. Key priorities included funding requests for the North Central Sanitary Sewer Project and the Old Chalk B Road Corridor Improvement Project, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and addressing environmental concerns. The platform also focused on local control over data management, equitable broadband access, and reinstating cannabis tax revenue to support local compliance enforcement.

Federal efforts were also discussed, with updates on earmarks submitted to the Congressional Appropriations Committee. The council emphasized the importance of staying informed on legislative developments to secure necessary funding for city projects.