Dakota Times

The City of Apple Valley has released details regarding its 2026 preliminary budget, as well as information on previous and current budgets. The city’s budget process includes several key steps throughout the year. The City Council holds a goal-setting session in the spring, followed by staff preparation of the budget from May through July. Budgets are presented to the City Council in July, with workshops scheduled for July or September. The preliminary budget and levy are set to be adopted on September 12th.

After this, the city notifies the county about the date for its Truth in Taxation hearing, which usually takes place in early December. Between November 11 and November 25, the county sends out parcel-specific notices to residents. The Truth in Taxation meeting is scheduled for December 12th, after which the City Council may consider final adoption of the budget. The deadline to certify the final tax levy to the county is December 30.

A comparison of property taxes across neighboring cities shows that Apple Valley's median home value for 2024 was $362,300, with a city portion property tax of $1,281 at a tax extension rate of 36.789%. This amount is lower than many similar-sized neighboring cities such as Edina ($2,133), Minnetonka ($1,707), and Inver Grove Heights ($1,636). Other cities like Woodbury ($1,245) and Maple Grove ($1,211) had slightly lower city portions on their median valued homes.

Financial transparency is maintained through annual comprehensive financial reports dating back to 2015 and adopted budgets from previous years available for public review. Additionally, performance measurement program results from recent years have been published.

Residents can access further information about understanding property taxes and other related articles at the Apple Valley Municipal Center located at 7100 147th Street W., Apple Valley, MN 55124.