City Budget Process

Participate in the Budget Process

Approving the City’s Annual Budget is one of the most important decisions made by City Council. The 2022 budget will be based on staff recommendations and input received from the community. 

The public is invited to attend any or all City Council meetings where the budget is discussed. The City will also provide additional engagement opportunities for residents who wish to participate in the budget process. 

The following is a tentative schedule for discussions on important aspects of the City’s Budget.

January - February, 2021

Department Updates

Watch City Council meetings live or on-demand

March 16, 2021

Financial Update

  • March 16: 2020 - 4th Quarter Report (view presentation (PDF))
  • Decision on 2022 Infrastructure Projects 
  • Decision on Burnes Park Debt Service

April 27 and April 29, 2021

Open Book meetings

Hennepin County Assessor's office will host virtual meeting sessions for the purpose of discussing property valuations that will be used for 2022 taxes. Valuation notices will include an insert providing additional information. Taxpayers may also call the assessor at any time to review valuation.

April - July, 2021

Internal Preparations

  • 2020 Audit 
  • Departments prepare Operating, Equipment (ERP) and Capital (CIP) Budgets

July 13, 2021

Review First Draft 2022 Tax Levy and General Fund Budgets

August 10, 2021

Review Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Equipment Replacement Plan (ERP)

August 16, 2021

Budget Engagement Review of 2022 Budget

The City hosted a budget engagement session on August 16.

View the Zoom recording from the meeting

September 7, 2021

Review 2022 General Budget to prepare for Preliminary Tax Levy

September 21, 2021

Approve Preliminary Tax Levy and General Fund Budget 

October 12, 2021

Review Enterprise Fund Budgets and Utility Rates

  • Water
  • Sewer
  • Storm Sewer
  • Refuse
  • Pavilion

November 3, 2021

Approve Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), Equipment Replacement Plan (ERP) and Utility Rates

November 9, 2021

Review Special Revenue Budgets

  • Chemical Assessment
  • Economic Development
  • Communications
  • Parking
  • Depot Coffee House  
  • Hopkins Center for the Arts
  • Hopkins Activity Center

December 6, 2021

Truth-in-Taxation Hearing 

December 7, 2021 or December 21, 2021 (if needed)

Approve Final Budget and Tax Levy

Questions or comments?

Please use this form to submit any general comments or questions about the budget process.

  1. Please explain in detail why the city has $83.5 million in debt?
  2. Please explain how the city will pay off outstanding debt? Will the City’s debt continue to rise?
  3. How will Hopkins utilize the funding received from American Rescue Plan Act?
  4. Where is the 5 percent increase in tax capacity expected to come from?
  5. The city seemed to function fine after the budget was reduced in during 2020/2021. Provided we are still in a pandemic, why have the cuts been restored?
  6. How do you model revenue around Tax Increment Financing projects to ensure there is sufficient revenue for increased demand on City services before the project is decertified?
  7. Have you run current cost recovery models for inspection services like rental licensing or fire inspections in comparison to other metro area cities?
  8. In order for Southwest Light Rail to be successful, people need to feel safe. How will the City ensure that people feel safe while riding? Will it be paid for by raising taxes? Should we ask busines
  9. How do we engage the community more in the budget process?
  10. What is the history behind the Fire Department responding to medical calls? They make up a large share of the work?
  11. I would like more information on the amount of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and its duration.
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