For several years the Blaine City Council has directed staff to keep the city tax rate stable. As staff and the City Council worked on developing the 2022 budget the City was able to keep the tax rate flat for 2022.

Blaine continues to have the lowest tax rate in Anoka County for a full service city. Additionally, Blaine has the lowest combined city utility rates when compared to surrounding cities and similar sized cities across the metro area.

The tax rate is just one factor in calculating a tax bill and with property values rising many property owners will see their tax bills rise to reflect the new higher value of their property. Home values are determined by the Anoka County Assessor’s Office.

View 2022 Annual Budget

Budget Creation and Approval Schedule

February 2021 - The 2022 budget process was discussed with the Blaine City Council at the winter council retreat.

Spring 2021 - Department heads and managers submitted 2022 budgets and requests for review. 

May 2021 - A 2022 budget update was presented to Blaine City Council at the spring council retreat.

Spring/Summer - Budget review meetings were held with all city departments.

Summer 2021 - The finance department conducted the initial review of 2022 budget requests.

Summer 2021 - The city manager reviewed budget requests and determines decision packages for City Council review.

Summer/Fall 2021 - Staff and the Blaine City Council reviewed the 2022 capital improvement fund budget.

9/8/2021 - The preliminary general fund budget and tax levy were presented by the finance director at a City Council workshop meeting. 

9/20/2021 - The Blaine City Council certified the preliminary general fund budget and tax levy for fiscal year 2021. After the preliminary approval the tax levy can only be reduced. Opens a New Window. 

9 Opens a New Window. 9/30/2021 - Deadline for certification of the 2022 tax levy with Anoka County for Truth in Taxation purposes.

Fall 2021 - The Blaine City Council reviewed all enterprise fund budgets and special revenue fund budgets. These are budgets that are not funded by property taxes. Many of these funds receive revenues from fees for services. These budgets are presented to the City Council at a workshop meeting. The Council is able to provide feedback and then the budgets are brought to a council meeting for approval.

• Charitable Gambling Fund
• Communications Fund
• Facilities Management Fund
• Sanitation Fund
• Sewer Utility Fund
• Storm Drainage Fund
• Water Utility Fund

October 2021 - The City Council reviewed and provided feedback on the budget and tax levy at the fall council retreat.

November 2021 - Truth in Taxation statements were delivered to property owners. This is the statement of estimated taxes owed in 2022. The tax estimate is based on an assessed property value and the tax levies of the City of Blaine, Anoka County,  school districts, and other taxing jurisdictions.

12/13/2021 - The Truth in Taxation hearing was held at 7PM in the City Council Chambers at Blaine City Hall. 

Watch Truth in Taxation Hearing Recording

12/20/2021 - The Blaine City Council held a second public hearing for the tax levy and general fund budget. After the public hearing the City Council the Blaine City Council approved the 2022 tax levy and general fund budget.

Watch 12/20/21 Council Meeting Recording

The approved levy was $125,000 less than the preliminary levy that was approved back in September. Cities can only reduce the levy after the preliminary levy is set. The general fund budget provides for many of the services that residents expect from the City. Nearly 75 percent of the budget is devoted to public safety and public works. Blaine continues to have the lowest combined tax and utility rate costs of any full-service city in Anoka County. Blaine also has the lowest combined costs when compared to other cities of a similar size in Minnesota.

New or expanded initiatives funded in the 2022 budget include: an expansion of the police K9 program, an online public data request portal, an enhanced Emerald Ash Borer mitigation initiative, and four additional police officers. Above you can view a breakdown of the general fund budget by department.

If you would like more information on the city budget please contact Finance Director Joe Huss at 763-717-2677 or jhuss@blainemn.gov.