A Message from the Mayor
The 2026 proposed budget of $24.3 million, which encompasses all City departments and enterprises, was approved by the City Council on September 23. The 2026 proposed budget includes an overall preliminary property tax levy increase of 7.5%. Between now and December, when the levy is finalized, the levy can decrease but can’t increase.
The city developed the budget with three goals in mind including investing in public safety personnel, implementing strategic plan initiatives, and minimizing the impact on residents.
When looking at the overall levy increase this year, the major factors driving the budget increase are:
- Adding a full-time Fire Chief
- Investing in employee compensation
- Increases in insurance
Impact on Homeowners
When property values are held constant, the median value home of $1,152,500 will have a property tax increase of $39 per year. Wayzata’s overall tax rate would remain lower than nearly all surrounding cities.
The City Council will be voting on the final 2026 Budget and Property Tax Levy at its December 2, 2025 meeting at 7:00 p.m. If you would like to send comments in advance, email PublicComment@wayzata.org. The meeting will also be shown on Channel 8, WCTV, and streamed on the City’s website at wayzata.org/WCTV
Read more about the City’s budget at: wayzata.org/finance
City Showcase Event on October 13th
This event, also known as Public Safety Day, will take place outside at Wayzata City Hall from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, October 13.
Join us for fire demonstrations, a bounce house, hot dogs, face painting, K9 demonstrations, and Touch - a - Truck including fire trucks, squad cars, and public works equipment.
Click here to view the full October Portal Newsletter
