Mayor’s memo The 2025 budget is taking shape

By Mayor Tim Busse

At the first City Council meeting in September, we approved the 2025 preliminary property tax levy. The preliminary levy represents the maximum amount we can approve for the 2025 budget. Nearly every year since I’ve been on the City Council, the final levy has been lower than the preliminary one. This year, our preliminary levy reflects an 11.5% increase over the 2024 tax levy.

We have a few things to consider when thinking about the budget. One of the main drivers of this preliminary levy amount is our continued investment in public safety. In terms of percentage, more than 45 % of the overall preliminary budget is police and fire spending and 65% of the increase is public safety spending.

We are transitioning to a full-time, paid Fire Department, which is the right move for Bloomington. It’s clear that for a city of our size, a full-time department is necessary to ensure quick response times and adequate staffing for every call. Of course, adding personnel and constructing new fire stations to support 24-hour crews will come with additional costs.

Budget decisions are some of the toughest decisions we make as a City Council and we want to know what residents value. Throughout the summer and fall, City staff have been tabling at community events asking residents which City services are priorities for them. Time and time again, residents say they value investing in public safety.

This levy funds almost 71% of the City’s General Fund budget. The remainder of the General Fund budget is supported by lodging and admission taxes, license and permit fees, grants and program revenues.

On December 16, the City Council will approve the final 2025 tax levy. To go deeper on the topic of the budget, visit
blm.mn/budget.