The Oakdale City Council has approved the 2026 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan, emphasizing investments in public safety, infrastructure, and community amenities.
Public Safety Enhancements
The budget allocates funds for public safety initiatives, including the continuation of Lexipol software to ensure compliance with legislation and best practices. It also provides for four new police vehicles, full-year funding for the Fire Marshal position, a transition to contracted prosecution services, and the establishment of a Coordinated Behavioral Response Team comprising a social worker and a new police officer.
Infrastructure and Community Investments
Significant investments are planned for city facilities and parks. The budget includes internal funding for vehicles and equipment to avoid debt, reconditioning of Water Tower 4, development of Helmo Station Park, playground replacements at Tanners, Tower, and Golfview Parks, trail and open space improvements at Willowbrooke, ongoing street reconstruction and overlay projects, and the expansion of the Police Department and renovation of City Hall.
Property Tax Implications
The proposed city tax rate is set to increase from 41.396% in 2025 to an estimated 42.115% in 2026. For a median-valued residential property in Oakdale, estimated at $346,200, this translates to an increase of approximately $35.79 per year, or $2.98 per month.
These budgetary decisions reflect the city’s commitment to enhancing public services and infrastructure while maintaining fiscal responsibility.