Cities Weigh Property Tax Levy Hikes Up to 8.9 Percent

Salem’s City Council unanimously approved a property tax levy 3.95% above this year’s collections, while also pausing review of pending Tax Increment Financing projects. In Evanston, residents criticized a proposed 8.9% levy increase, citing affordability and the city’s budget gap; officials said the proposal had not changed, though a referendum on the real estate transfer tax could be considered. Reading’s proposed 2027 budget does not require a tax increase, but council members asked staff to model annual increases of 1% to 5% as an alternative to drawing on reserves. North Mankato’s proposed budget includes a 2.75% property tax increase, with residents also objecting to planned cuts to cleanup services; final budget decisions are expected in December. Sandwich’s council was scheduled to review a draft tax levy, but no vote was listed on the meeting agenda.