Watertown City Council to Vote on 2027 Property Tax Levy Increase Monday Night

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Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council on Monday night will hold the second reading and consider final adoption of Ordinance No. 26‑31, which authorizes the Finance Officer to certify the city’s 2027 property tax levy to the Codington County Auditor. The item appears on the regular agenda and is submitted by Chief Financial Officer Kristen Bobzien.

What the Ordinance Does

Ordinance No. 26‑31 formally sets the 2027 property tax levy for the City of Watertown and directs the Finance Officer to certify the levy to Codington County, as required by state law.

The ordinance establishes the following levy amount for the General Fund:

· $4,853,667

A line from the ordinance states:

“The Finance Officer is hereby directed to certify the following amount of property tax levy… to the County Auditor of Codington County.”

Once adopted, the levy becomes part of the county’s property tax system for the 2027 tax year.

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How the Levy Was Calculated

The city’s annual levy is determined using:

· 2.5% Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase allowed under South Dakota law

· 1.23% estimated growth in taxable property value

Together, these factors result in a $174,531.78 increase over the 2026 levy.

The agenda notes:

“The certified property tax for 2027 results in an increase over 2026 in the amount of $174,531.78.”

State law requires municipalities to adopt their annual property tax levy by ordinance. The levy supports:

· General government operations

· Public safety

· Public works

· Parks and recreation

· Other city services funded through the General Fund

“This Ordinance is declared to be for the support of the City Government and its existing public institutions.”

Timeline and Readings

· First Reading: September 8, 2026

· Second Reading: September 21, 2026

· Adoption: Expected September 21, 2026

· Publication: September 24, 2026

Upon adoption, the levy certification is transmitted to the Codington County Auditor.

The Watertown City Council meets Monday, September 21, 2026. This item is listed on the regular agenda, meaning it is open for discussion and a vote.