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1. Choose not to fund additional positions at this time 2. Fund three positions and add the additional funding to the base levy increase 3. Utilize one-time funds from closed TIF Districts to offset the levy impact for 3-4 years. This would result in a jump in the tax levy when the funds are exhausted. At the June 24, 2025 HRA meeting the return of closed TIF funds to Ramsey County for redistribution to jurisdictions was approved as discussed with the 2025 capital improvements plan. These one-time funds of an estimated $990,000 were under consideration for use for various future parks amenities and/or field lighting upgrades, with further discussion to take place During the 2026 budget discussions. At the June 24 Council work session, the City Council expressed a desire to balance the City’s needs and wants pertaining to some of these amenities. Considering this discussion, staff have put together options for using these dollars to help fund the fire department staffing needs. Using these funds over a period of either three or four years can help to reduce the levy impact of additional fire personnel costs. FUNDING OPTIONS AND ASSOCIATED LEVY INCREASE Levy Increase 1 Base levy increase without funding new Firefighter positions 5.44% 2 Absorb the cost of 3 additional Firefighter/Paramedics (1 for each shift) 9.18% 3 Use closed TIF District funds returned to Ramsey County for redistribution to jurisdictions. Saint Anthony’s portion is estimated to be $990,000 Use 2/3 of available funds over 3 years to reduce levy by $217,800 for each of 3 years – this option retains 1/3 of available funds for new amenity requests 6.88% 4 Use all available funds over 4 years to reduce levy by $247,500 for each of 4 years – this option eliminates use for new park amenities requests 6.57% 5 Retain all available funds in the Capital Funds to reduce or eliminate levy increases for as many years as possible – this option likely eliminates use for new park amenities requests TBD Preliminary levy increases for cities around the Metropolitan area are anticipated to be in the range of 6% - 13.4%, with an average increase of 8.8% OVERALL LEVY FOR 2026 The overall levy presented includes the General Fund, Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA), Capital Equipment, Building, Parks and Debt and Infrastructure Improvement Funds levies. The proposed 2026 overall levy options are listed above. These options range from a 5.44% to a 9.18% increase over 2025 total levy. 45