Finance/Human Resources
Learn More About the Proposed 2027 Budget
What Does the Levy Increase Mean for My Property Taxes?
The proposed 2027 total City property tax levy is approximately $6.8 million, an increase of 8.79% over 2026. An 8.79% increase in the total levy does not mean every property owner's City taxes will increase by 8.79%. The levy is the total amount the City needs to collect from all taxable properties. Each property's share depends on the City's tax rate, the property's taxable value and classification, and how its value changes compared with other properties.
The City's Net Tax Capacity (NTC), or overall property tax base, is projected to grow approximately 2.71%. Approximately 1% of that growth is from new construction. New homes and businesses add taxable value, which means more properties share in the cost of providing City services.
Based on current estimates, the 2027 City tax rate is projected at approximately 43.51%, a 2.39% increase over the 2026 City tax rate.
What Could This Mean for a $350,000 Home?
Based on current projections, the City portion of property taxes on a home valued at $350,000 is estimated to increase approximately 6%, or about $7 per month. Actual tax changes will vary by property based on changes in market value, property classification, the value of other properties throughout the City, and the final levy adopted by the City Council.
How Is the General Fund Changing?
The proposed 2027 General Fund Budget is approximately $8.17 million, an increase of 4.86% over the adopted 2026 budget. The General Fund pays for the City's core services, including police, fire, streets, parks, administration, finance, planning, building inspections, engineering, technology, elections, and community recreation.
The proposed General Fund levy is approximately $5.6 million, an increase of 4.67% over 2026. The increase supports existing service levels and reflects personnel and benefit costs, contractual services, technology and cybersecurity, facility costs, professional services, and continued capital investment.
The 2027 budget includes no new General Fund positions and reflects a net reduction in staffing with the elimination of the Engineering Technician position. Development review and engineering support previously anticipated for this position will instead be provided through consultant services.
Why New Development Matters
New development expands the City's tax base. As new homes and businesses are completed and added to the tax rolls, they become additional taxpayers sharing in the cost of City services and debt obligations. New development does not immediately reduce property taxes because construction generally does not begin contributing to the tax base until a later assessment cycle.
Long-Term Financial Planning
The City uses a rolling five-year financial plan and Capital Improvement Program to look beyond a single budget year. The plan identifies future staffing, infrastructure, equipment replacement, facility costs, debt obligations, utility needs, and the continued decline in Local Government Aid so that financial decisions can be addressed proactively.
Residents Are Encouraged to Participate
The budget process is an opportunity to learn where City revenues come from, how tax dollars are used, and how current financial decisions affect future years. Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming City Council Budget Workshop on Wednesday August 12, 2026 at 4:00 pm.
Maintaining today's services while planning responsibly for tomorrow.
2027 Budget Workshop Memo and Information
2027 City of Big Lake Budget - Video
2027 Preliminary Budget workshop power point information
Residents are encouraged to review the 2027 budget information and attend the upcoming Budget Workshop on August 12, 2026 at 4:00 pm to learn more.
The Annual Popular Financial Report is designed to provide residents and stakeholders with a concise and accessible summery of the City's financial condition and operations.
Annual Popular Financial Report for the Citizens
Let's take a look at how the City has performed over the years. The General Fund Analysis shows how the City has been a responsible steward of your tax dollars, focusing on long-term financial stability and community needs. Please reach out if you have any questions. Please see the link below.
General Fund Analysis
General Fund Analysis Podcast
How your city plans, funds and maintains parks and trails Podcast
2026 Mid Year Review PDF report
Podcasts are AI generated.
The 2026 Preliminary Levy and Budget information for the City of Big Lake
The City of Big Lake 2026 Levy and Budget Information - Your Wallet, Your City Podcast.
The Public Input Hearing for the 2027 General Fund Budget and Tax Levy will be held on Wednesday December 2, 2026 in the Council Chambers at 6:00 pm.
The Finance Department is responsible for overseeing all accounting functions for the City of Big Lake. In addition it handles:
- Audit
- Budget preparation
- Capital Improvement Plan
- Debt Service Plan
- Fee Schedule
- Insurance
- Investment
- Long Term Planning
- Property tax
- Special assessments
- Special project management
- Technology
- TIF
- Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable
- Payroll
- Employee Benefits
Additional Information
If you have any questions or would like more information regarding a specific area covered by the Finance Department, please contact City Hall at 763-251-2974.