City Council Budget Work Session - 15 Sep 2026

The City Council of Burnsville held a budget work session on September 15, 2026, focusing primarily on the proposed 2027 utility rates and fees, as well as enterprise fund budgets. Deputy City Manager and CFO Jenny Rode, along with senior municipal advisor Dan Tinter from Ehlers and Associates, presented detailed financial projections and utility rate studies for the AIM Center, ICE Center, golf course, and street lighting funds. Key procurement-related discussions included the planned capital improvement projects, such as theater seating upgrades at the AIM Center and electrical upgrades for street lighting, with significant capital investments and debt financing outlined for water, sewer, and stormwater utilities. The council reviewed projected rate increases averaging around 7% annually, driven by aging infrastructure and extensive capital needs, with a focus on maintaining fund self-sufficiency and cash balances. Additionally, the session covered departmental budgets for the City Clerk and Community Development, highlighting investments in election technology, operational assessments, and comprehensive planning projects. The council expressed satisfaction with the budget progress and planned to adopt the proposed tax levy and utility rates in upcoming meetings, emphasizing transparency and long-term financial planning.