07-14-2026 City Council Special Work SessionHOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JULY 14, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a special work session of the Hopkins City Council
was held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 5:12 p.m. in the Raspberry Room at City Hall,
1010 1st Street South.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hunke called the meeting to order with Council Members Garrido,
Goodlund, Hunke and Kuznia attending. Mayor Hanlon arrived at 5:15 p.m. Others
attending included City Manager Mornson, Assistant City Manager Casella, City Clerk
Domeier, Director of Planning and Development Elverum, Finance Director Bishop, Public
Works Director Pavek, Police Chief Johnson, Fire Chief Wenshau and Assistant Finance
Director Merrick.
PRESENTATIONS
II.1. 2027 General Fund Budget and Tax Levy; Bishop
Finance Director Bishop presented the proposed 2027 General Fund Budget and Tax
Levy and asked the City Council whether the proposal aligns with council priorities and
community expectations.
Council members generally agreed that funding for police and fire services remains a
priority and that the proposed budget reflects council priorities. However, there was
significant concern about the impact of a tax levy increase on residents. Discussion
included highlighting how new development helps expand the tax base and reduces
pressure on taxpayers, the impacts to homeowners, finding creative funding strategies
and alternative revenue sources and implications of waiting to hire certain po sitions.
The council did not support moving forward with a preliminary tax levy increase of 10%
or greater and requested additional options for consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, and upon motion by
Garrido, second by Hanlon., the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 6:08 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Domeier, City Clerk