Melrose Council Adopts $1.67 Million Tax Levy, Hires New City Clerk

MELROSE — December 18, 2025 — Melrose City Council unanimously adopts a $1,674,000 tax levy and full 2026 budget at its December 18 meeting. Finance Director Jackie reported that the general fund levy rises $144,000 over 2025, while expenditures of $4,173,151 outpace projected revenues of $3,635,300 by roughly $573,000, drawing down unassigned fund balances. The council also unanimously approved an updated fee schedule raising ambulance base rates for basic life support from $850 to $1,000, fire call fees to $500 per hour after the first hour, and introducing new street excavation escrows of $600 for gravel roads and $3,000 for bituminous surfaces. City Administrator Colleen reported Connor Cockler was hired as city clerk at $35.08 per hour after a field of 20 applicants, and that electric rates will rise 4 percent and wastewater rates 5 percent in 2026 while water rates hold flat. The council received an informational briefing on Minnesota's new paid family and medical leave law, effective January 1, 2026, with a formal policy decision deferred to January.