Kasson OKs 7.8% levy increase, ‘absorbing’ increase in taxable value

Kasson’s City Council approved a preliminary 2026 tax levy of $4,844,142, a 7.8% increase over the 2025 levy of $4,493,797.
The preliminary levy cannot increase but can be adjusted downward by the council before the final number is approved in December.
The amounts to be levied for each fund include: General Fund, $3,072,274; Library Fund, $448,812; Economic Development Fund, $109,275; and Community Policing, $0. The total General Government Levy is $3,630,361.
Special levy amounts include Debt Service Levy, $1,135,184; Fire Relief Levy $0; and Tax Abatement Levy $78,597.
At the Sept. 24 council meeting, City Administrator Tim Ibisch said that the levy is a “break even” figure.
Each year, the county calculates an estimated market value increase in the amount of property valuation. The county indicated that the 7.8% would keep the tax levy rate at zero.
“So, in essence, we’re absorbing new value,” he said, adding the overall valuation increase is due to new commercial and some residential construction.
That means, he said, that if your home’s taxable value does not change, your taxes should theoretically stay close to even.
The preliminary levy was unanimously approved.