Council to consider final 2026 levy, ice arena funding on Monday

A full agenda for Monday's Worthington City Council meeting includes consideration of the final 2026 levy.

On Sept. 22, council members approved a proposed property tax levy of $9,058,874 for 2026, which represented a 14.0% increase over 2025. Staff is now recommending approval of the final levy in the amount of $8,487,583, which is a 6.81% increase over 2025.

As allowed by legislation changes, public comment will be taken at this time regarding the proposed 2026 tax levies. Additionally, the council will consider the Housing and Redevelopment Authority’s proposed levy of $218,000, the same amount as pre- certified by the council on Sept. 22.

In a separate matter, the council is slated to once again discuss and potentially take action on authorizing funding for the proposed ice arena project.

Earlier this year, council members approved a funding commitment of $5 million during their April 28 meeting. The District 518 Board of Education reiterated its funding commitment of $5 million during its Sept. 16 meeting, designating that it go toward a new rink facility. On Dec. 1, the Worthington Public Utilities Water & Light Commission approved funding of up to $3 million.

The Worthington Hockey Association has raised approximately $1 million toward improvements to an ice arena project. To date, $14 million has been committed to the project.

Staff has determined that a budget goal of $16 million is needed to continue moving forward with the project. The council is requested to formally commit $7 million to the ice arena project.