Council approves operating budget and grocery tax cut
At a glance
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The Metropolitan Council passed the Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget (BL2026-1377 as substituted) and the tax levy ordinance (BL2026-1378), approved a local grocery sales tax reduction (RS2026-1961), enacted an eviction right-to-counsel program (BL2026-1382), confirmed several board appointments, and approved multiple housing, public health, transportation, and workforce pay plan items on the consent agenda.
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What this means
City leaders adopted the annual spending plan and tax ordinance that set how local money will be raised and spent for the coming fiscal year. The Council approved a reduction in the local sales tax on groceries to give households immediate savings, and it created a program to provide legal help to renters facing eviction so more people can get representation. The meeting also approved pay plan updates for city employees and several grants and contracts for housing, health, and transportation projects that affect services across the city.
Key decisions
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- Passed the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Ordinance (BL2026-1377) as substituted; final third-reading vote Yes 35, No 2.
- Passed the tax levy ordinance for FY2026-2027 (BL2026-1378); roll call Yes 29, No 7.
- Adopted a resolution reducing the local sales tax on groceries (RS2026-1961); roll call Yes 28, No 3, Abstain 1.
- Approved an ordinance creating an eviction right-to-counsel program administered by the Housing Division (BL2026-1382); third-reading vote Yes 33, No 0.
- Adopted multiple employee pay plans for general employees, Board of Health, and Police & Fire effective July 1, 2026 (RS2026-2004, RS2026-2005, RS2026-2006) via Consent Agenda.
- Confirmed reappointments and appointments including Fabian Bedne (Contract & Compliance Board), Alphonso Harvey (Hospital Authority), and Mandy Spears (Social Services Commission).
- Approved several housing grant amendments and affordable housing grant contracts via Consent Agenda (e.g., RS2026-2036 through RS2026-2039) to fund construction and preservation projects.
- Approved public health and safety grants and programs including funding for a pilot Sobering and Stabilization Center (RS2026-2008) and opioid recovery services (RS2026-2040).
- Approved transportation and infrastructure items including a Safe Streets for All grant amendment for Nolensville Pike (RS2026-2058) and multiple water/sewer acceptance resolutions on consent.
- Passed the Gulch Central Business Improvement District FY2027 budget (BL2026-1381) and adopted the Central Business Improvement District budget (RS2026-2033).
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