International Falls’ tax increase expected to shrink further

More changes are likely before International Falls city council finalizes its 2026 budget.

The proposed levy increase is currently at just over 5%.

That is down from a 20% increase that was proposed in a preliminary budget in September.

Finance Officer Emma Rudd says several changes were made since then.

“Some significant changes to the draft working budget since the preliminary budget levy was approved on September 22 include the reduction in the ambulance levy from $414,873, which was 10 % of the increase, down to half of that, which is $207,437 or 5%,” says Rudd.

“We reduced the amount that we were gonna replenish the general fund reserves from $1 million to $800,000. At that point, we had removed the airport of $115,500 appropriation. We’ve also removed a police officer through attrition, which has resulted in nearly $120,000 in savings, and then we’ve refined other miscellaneous expenses.”

Rudd says it is possible the levy increase could fall even further as there are further measures yet to be discussed by council that could impact the final figure.

“There’s more movement that’ll be coming forward as well as we continue to have budget meetings in anticipation of a final levy. We’ve continued to work and look at other areas and opportunities for cuts, whether it be in 2026 or future years.”

City Council must finalize the budget before the end of the year.