The Prior Lake City Council has approved the 2026 budget, emphasizing public safety enhancements and infrastructure improvements.
The $52 million budget includes a $21.3 million tax levy, marking a 7.46% increase from the previous year. Nearly half of this increase is allocated to public safety, addressing recommendations from recent staffing and compensation studies. These studies highlighted the need for additional personnel, including a police sergeant, a records specialist, and an IT specialist to support police operations. The budget also addresses wage disparities for officers compared to similar-sized metro cities.
Infrastructure improvements are another major focus, with funds allocated for replacing aging streets and utilities in neighborhoods developed in the 1980s and 1990s. Property owners benefiting from these projects will contribute through special assessments, which have remained unchanged for two decades despite rising project costs.
For a median-valued home in 2026 ($433,600), the city portion of property taxes is expected to increase by approximately 5.8%, equating to about $76 annually or $6.33 per month.
Residents are encouraged to review the detailed budget summary available on the city’s official website and participate in upcoming public hearings to provide feedback.