Byron sets preliminary levy

The Byron City Council approved the 2026 preliminary budget and levy during its September meeting, keeping the tax rate flat.
“Staff met with the Finance Committee to review the proposed preliminary budget and levy numbers for 2026,” the administration wrote in a memo to the city council. “After discussion and review, it is our recommendation to set the 2026 Preliminary Levy at $6,694,468, which is made up of $2,962,000 for general operating expenses, $1,232,468 for debt service, which includes tax abatement distributions, and $2,500,000 to CIP. With this proposal, the City tax rate from 2025-2026 will stay flat at 60.59%.”
The memo explained that the tax capacity value of property in Byron increased by 12.5% from 2024-2025. Those values are used for 2026 property tax calculations.
New construction is valued at $33,353,900.
“This includes Stonehaven Apartments, Stonehaven Townhomes, Dollar General and several single-family homes,” the memo stated.
A general fund increase of $3,647,286, up $221,683 from last year, is needed to cover operating expenses for 2026.
“The items that make up this increase are increases in staff wages/benefits, updated wage distributions due to job title changes, MN Paid Leave Law starting in 2026, general operating increases, which include training/education, and the increase to the Sheriffs Contract for the additional cost to the school resource officer,” the memo read.
With the preliminary levy set, the council can’t go any higher but could reduce the levy before it is finalized in December.