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A gun control resolution and the 2026 budget take center state for the City Council meeting, with the 150 Thompson project pushed to October.
Gun Control Resolution
After a last-minute discussion at the previous meeting and dueling gun control resolutions, staff drafted a new resolution for consideration. The assassination of Charlie Kirk since the last meeting only intensifies the debate around this issue.
- Good to know: State law preempts cities from passing any kind of gun control, which limits them to a resolution urging state and federal lawmakers to take action.
- What it says: The resolution supports “efforts to strengthen background checks, require safe firearm storage, and restrict the future sale and transfer of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.” The resolution also encourages residents to contact their state and federal legislators.
2026 Budget
During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), Council will discuss budget priorities and then approve a preliminary budget and property tax increase during the regular meeting.
- Process: Preliminary property tax increases have to be approved in September, and then they’ll be finalized in December when they can be lowered but not increased.
- Numbers: Despite initial conversations around a higher levy and property tax increase, city staff are proposing an 8% maximum property tax increase. The current budget proposal actually has a 7.38% increase, but they are proposing the higher number so there’s a little wiggle room.
- What it means: That 7.38% increase works out to $266 more for a median value home ($322,534).
- Variables: The lower tax increase is accomplished by decreasing investment in the city pool. The city is still looking to rehab the pool, but Council wants to keep it to a bare minimum and not add anything extra. Council is also looking at bonding in future years for a new police and fire station, with some planning expenses happening in the 2026 budget.
Other Items on the Agenda:
- 150 Thompson: The big item that’s not really on the agenda is 150 Thompson. City staff planned to bring the tax increment financing (TIF) and purchase agreement forward, but they need more time. It will come back at the Oct. 14 meeting. There will be a public hearing for two minor easements, but final approval will also be moved to Oct. 14.
- Park planning: During OCWS, Council will discuss multiple park projects, including the massive system plan, the Albert Park expansion, and the pool rehabilitation.
- Marijuana: Council will consider two marijuana related changes to comply with state law, one concerning cannabis retailers and the other with lower-potency hemp edibles.
Engage
- Watch: The public can watch the meeting live on Town Square TV or cable TV starting at 6:30 p.m. (5 p.m. for the OCWS) on Monday.
- Learn more: Guide to West St. Paul City Council.
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