Chanhassen Mayor Elise Ryan looks forward to "preparing for great things in 2026" after the final City Council meeting of the year brought a close to 2025's civic agenda. According to an official communication released by the city, the council has greenlit the upcoming fiscal year's budget with an emphasis on financial equilibrium — revenues and expenditures for the General Fund are locked in step at $16,924,270 each. Despite the inherent challenges of governance and stewardship of the public purse, the approved budget features a final General Fund levy hike of 6.9%, a modest descent from the previously projected 7.2% increase.
City employees are set to receive a 3.0% Cost Of Living Adjustment in 2026 in addition to their eligibility for step adjustments. The local contract numbers for policing, which will see the city shelling out an additional $153,492 to Carver County compared to 2025, settling at a total of $2,658,741, is indicative of a communal commitment to maintaining peace and public safety. Meanwhile, residents can expect utility rate hikes across the board with water, sewer, and stormwater all seeing increases in their respective charges.
On a more concrete note, an open house scheduled for January 7 aims to bring Chanhassen's constituents closer to the architects' vision of the soon-to-be $80.1 million Community Center. The council counts on public feedback to refine the project, particularly given the proximity of the center's anticipated 2028 opening day. A virtual tour for those unable to attend in person will also be accessible, as an attempt to engage a wider audience.
The local government also outlined its legislative priorities for 2026, sharing the list that includes transportation, building fees, and water resource funding, among others, with Minnesota State Legislature representatives. According to Mayor Ryan's update, “It’s important to note that the city does not have a role in these federal operations”, referencing the current dialogue surrounding the increased ICE activities with assurances that local law enforcement, under the jurisdiction of the Carver County Sheriff’s Office, will handle public safety concerns.
Concluding the year on a note of gratitude, Mayor Ryan expressed holiday wishes to the community and a readiness to return in the new year with renewed commitment. The detailed account of the meeting's outcomes and Mayor Ryan's full remarks can be further explored by the Chanhassen community here.
