WAYZATA — The Wayzata American Legion will lead a series of Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday, May 25, 2026, with observances planned at several area cemeteries and Heritage Park.
The day’s schedule begins at 8:30 a.m. at Parkers Lake Cemetery and continues through the morning in Wayzata.
Image courtesy Wayzata Legion.
The official schedule includes:
8:30 a.m. — Parkers Lake Cemetery 9:15 a.m. — Greenlawn Cemetery 9:45 a.m. — Old Wayzata Cemetery 10:30 a.m. — Summit Park Cemetery 11:30 a.m. — Heritage Park
The ceremonies at Summit Park Cemetery and Heritage Park will include an extended program with the reading of deceased members’ names. Wayzata Mayor Andrew Mullin is scheduled to serve as guest speaker.
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, is set aside to honor members of the United States armed forces who died in service to the country. In Wayzata, the American Legion’s annual observance has long served as a solemn community tradition, connecting residents, veterans and families through remembrance.
Following the final ceremony, the community is invited to the Wayzata American Legion for a light buffet lunch. The luncheon will be offered as a free-will offering.
Wayzata officials discussed the anticipated impacts of Highway 12 construction during the April 21 City Council meeting, with city leaders warning that the project could affect not only residents and daily commuters, but also visitors trying to reach downtown Wayzata and the businesses that depend on them.
City Manager Aurora Yager said residents should expect changing traffic conditions as the project moves forward, including lane shifts that may change throughout the day.
Yager said the city will work to keep residents informed through its own social media channels and website, but emphasized that MnDOT remains the primary source for the most current construction updates.
“We’re going to try our best on social media and the website to amplify MnDOT’s messages,” Yager said. “But I highly recommend residents sign up on MnDOT’s website to get email notifications about construction updates.”
Yager said MnDOT’s email notifications will be the fastest way for residents, commuters and visitors to learn about changes to construction timelines or traffic impacts.
Mayor Andrew Mullin said the project could have a significant effect on access into Wayzata, particularly if key ramps or roadways are restricted without clear sequencing or adequate advance communication.
He said the city needs more clarity on “the order of the exits that are going to be impacted and when,” noting that the project will affect traffic broadly, but some closures could have a more serious effect than others.
“Everything’s going to be impacted, but when you get to the first two exits and then closing access to Shoreline Drive, that’s where it gets nuclear,” Mullin said.
For residents, the concern is daily mobility: getting to and from home, work, school, errands and appointments. For guests, the issue is whether they can easily understand how to reach downtown Wayzata during construction. And for restaurants, retailers and service businesses, any loss of convenience or clarity could translate directly into fewer visits.
Mullin said he has been hearing from restaurant owners and members of the broader business community who want the city to help communicate alternative routes into town.
“The second request I get from our business community is, is there a way we can get information out there about alternative paths to get into town?” Mullin said.
Mullin suggested the city consider hosting an open house, potentially with assistance from Sen. Julia Coleman Johnson, to create more clarity around the timing of ramp and access closures. He also said the city and county should scenario-plan routes into Wayzata based on the order of construction.
“If we had some understanding of that order, we could say, early in the construction project, please use 112 and return back to the city,” Mullin said. “If 494 is done first, then we could say later in the project, use 494 and coming back through McGinty and Bushaway.”
Mullin said the city does not yet have all of the answers, but said there is “a strong preference in the community” for the county to help scenario-plan access routes so Wayzata can better communicate with residents, visitors and customers.
The Wayzata City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday night to approve an emergency interim ordinance imposing an immediate 12-month moratorium on new short-term rentals, with Mayor Andrew Mullin casting the lone dissenting vote, citing concerns largely centered on procedural sequencing.
The action follows a March 30 district court order that voided the city’s earlier short-term rental ordinance, setting off a new round of discussion over how Wayzata should regulate the use moving forward. City staff said the emergency pause is intended to give the council time to study the issue and consider changes to the city’s zoning ordinance and other official controls.
Community Development Director Alex Sharpe opened the discussion by outlining the legal and procedural backdrop. He said the city adopted Ordinance 852 on Oct. 9, 2025, prohibiting short-term rentals through its rental dwelling licensing regulations, but that approach was later challenged in court by short-term rental operators.
“On March 30th, 2026, the district court issued an order declaring that Ordinance 852 was a zoning regulation and therefore void,” Sharpe told the council.
Sharpe said staff brought forward the moratorium as a possible tool while the city considers a new zoning-based framework. He emphasized that staff was not explicitly urging the council to adopt the moratorium, but said it was being presented for consideration because of the risk that additional operators could apply before new zoning rules are in place.
“Specifically, we’ve had already one, potentially two new applicants that were not short-term rental operators in 2025 apply for short-term rental licenses in 2026,” Sharpe said.
He later confirmed those were not just preliminary inquiries. When asked whether the applications were complete or still in an early phase, Sharpe said: “They’re complete applications with fees paid,” adding that rental inspections had not yet occurred.
That timing, Sharpe explained, could carry long-term consequences. He told the council that once a use is lawfully established, it can become a legal nonconforming use if the city later changes its zoning rules. In practical terms, that means a newly approved short-term rental could potentially continue even after a new ordinance is adopted, so long as it complies with applicable provisions and does not lapse for more than a year.
Council Member Molly MacDonald said she supported both the moratorium itself and the decision to adopt it on an emergency basis, framing the vote as a continuation of the city’s earlier work on the issue.
“We had really studied this, engaged the community, and I think really came to the right conclusion,” MacDonald said. “While there may be some debate about how we got there, I think where we got was the right place.”
Council Member Ken Sorensen also backed immediate action, saying the temporary pause was consistent with the city’s earlier direction and would give the council time to continue discussing the issue without allowing additional applications to move forward in the meantime.
“I’m in favor of this moratorium. I think we should enact it as soon as possible,” Sorensen said. He said the move was “very consistent with where we ended up with the ordinance we passed last year,” and noted the city had already received two new applications.
“I think we could expect more if we don’t enact a moratorium,” Sorensen said. Sorensen said the emergency measure would create space for the council to continue evaluating its options. “It gives us the time we need to really think this through,” he said.
Mayor Andrew Mullin said his opposition was procedural rather than substantive. He said the council had not yet received “a full legal briefing on the status of our existing case, which we lost,” and that he wanted the city to signal to the community that it was still evaluating all available paths before acting. In his view, adopting a moratorium before receiving that briefing felt “out of order,” and he said he would have preferred to table the matter and revisit it after council had a clearer understanding of the court ruling and its options. “We are looking at all options and we are going to take the path that makes the most sense,” Mullin said, indicating those options could include an appeal, zoning regulations, or a return to what he described as responsible regulations.
Mullin said he considered the move premature because the council still did not know what path it would ultimately choose. “It doesn’t mean that I’m not in support of it,” he said, but added that his concern was “how the information is coming to us and not having a full understanding of the implications of court ruling.” He said he would have preferred to consider the moratorium after receiving a fuller legal briefing.
Mullin also read a statement into the record from existing short-term rental license holders Theresa and Bob Fisher, who he said were unable to attend the meeting. Their message urged the city to include current operators in the discussion rather than treating them as outsiders to the community.
“We sincerely want our voice to be heard,” Mullin read from the statement. “We would welcome an opportunity to work with a task force or related group to come up with ideas and an action plan to identify and address the issues of short term rentals.” The Fishers added that local owners want “to have a positive relationship with our fellow community members, be responsible residents, and want to be treated as part of the community.”
In the public forum portion of the council meeting, Benton Avenue resident Marilyn Richter urged the council not to lose momentum on regulation despite the recent court ruling. Richter said the need for short-term rental rules “still exists for Wayzata” and pointed to ongoing problems on Benton Avenue, where she said issues tied to a concentration of short-term rentals had persisted for at least two years.
Richter told council members that the city should not let its planning efforts be derailed by the lawsuit. “Please don’t let your interest in planning be dropped because of the lawsuit,” she said, adding that “there has to be a way” to regulate short-term rentals, noting that similar issues have been addressed in communities across the country.
The ordinance approved Tuesday imposes a 12-month moratorium on any new short-term rental use in the city while staff studies whether and to what extent Wayzata’s official controls should be revised. Under the ordinance, the moratorium does not apply to short-term rentals with licenses that are active and in good standing as of the ordinance’s effective date, or that were active and in good standing when Ordinance 852 took effect.
Because at least four of the five council members voted to declare an emergency, the moratorium took effect immediately upon adoption rather than waiting for an additional reading and publication. Staff had told the council that without emergency adoption, the ordinance likely would not have taken effect until sometime in May.
In the ordinance preamble, the council found that short-term rentals “have the potential to negatively impact the health, safety and welfare” of the city if not properly regulated, and that the city needs time to study the issue and consider “necessary and appropriate changes” to its policies, ordinances and official controls.
Tuesday’s vote marks the city’s latest move in an ongoing fight over short-term rentals, as Wayzata shifts from a court-rejected prohibition toward a temporary freeze designed to preserve time for a new regulatory approach.
Wayzata’s two charitable gambling organizations — the Wayzata Lions Club and Wayzata American Legion Post 118 — reported strong financial performance and growing community impact during an update to the Wayzata City Council on March 10.
Leaders from both groups described how charitable gambling revenues are helping fund local nonprofits, youth programs, veteran services, and community improvements across the region.
Wayzata Lions report record year
Tim Anderson of the Wayzata Lions Club opened the presentation with a review of the club’s community service work over the past year.
The Lions continue a long list of local initiatives, including Salvation Army bell ringing — an effort the club has supported for 15 to 20 years.
The club also participates in Wayzata’s Light Up the Lake event and organizes a popular Letters to Santa station, where children write holiday messages that Lions members later respond to. Anderson said the club collected 155 letters from children this year.
Other volunteer efforts include helping at Special Olympics events in Stillwater, supporting the Tour de Tonka diabetes fundraiser, and volunteering with Feed My Starving Children, where members pack meals for international hunger relief.
The Lions also continue their longstanding eyeglass collection program, gathering 4,239 pairs of glasses last yearthrough a network of about 24 collection sites across the region.
Beyond volunteer work, the club distributes significant charitable donations each year. Anderson said recent contributions included:
Equipment funding for the Wayzata Fire Department
Support for Interfaith Outreach, Hammer Residences, and The Retreat
Donations to the Ridgedale Library and Hope Chest for Breast Cancer
Funding for the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra and Blue Water Theatre
Four $1,000 scholarships for Wayzata High School students through the Wayzata Education Fund
The club also partners with Senior Community Services and hosts holiday events for residents at Boardwalk Apartments, which Anderson noted is one of Wayzata’s Section 8 housing properties.
Looking ahead, the Lions plan to assist with improvements at Gullickson Field near Gleason Lake, including new paint, rock work, and signage.
Gambling revenue drives charitable giving
Nancy Nelson, the Lions Club’s lawful gambling manager, reported that the club’s charitable gambling operation posted record results during its most recent fiscal year.
Gross gambling revenue reached $5.3 million, the first time the organization has surpassed the $5 million mark.
Those revenues allowed the Lions to distribute $150,500 in charitable donations, also a record for the organization. Nelson said the previous high had been around $109,000.
Since the club’s founding in 1954, Nelson said the Wayzata Lions have now donated more than $4 million to charitable causes.
Nine months into the current fiscal year, operations remain strong. Nelson said electronic pull tabs and E-Link Bingo have helped boost revenue while traditional paper games remain a core part of the operation.
The Lions currently hold a five-star rating from the Minnesota Gambling Control Board, a designation awarded to organizations that direct more than 50 percent of net proceeds to charitable purposes. Nelson also noted the club has maintained clean regulatory audits.
Legion gambling supports veterans and community
Doug Carter, the relatively new commander of Wayzata American Legion Post 118, also provided an update on the Legion’s charitable gambling program.
Carter, a U.S. Navy veteran who served alongside Marine units at Camp Huntington and during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, said the organization has benefited significantly from the addition of electronic pull tabs and paper pull tabs.
Historically, the Legion relied primarily on bingo and meat raffles, which Carter said barely covered operational costs as membership declined and the organization’s veteran base aged.
“With the diminishing membership and increasing member age, by adding electronic pull tabs and paper pull tabs our membership benefits have increased and the benefits to the community have increased as well,” Carter told the council.
For the current fiscal year, which runs July 1 through June 30, the Legion has generated approximately $1.86 million in gross revenue through February, averaging about $240,000 per month.
If the pace continues, Carter said the organization expects to reach about $2.82 million in revenue for the fiscal year, roughly a 15 percent increase compared with the prior year.
The Legion currently distributes about 84 percent of its net proceeds to charitable causes, which also qualifies the organization for a five-star rating with the state.
Carter said roughly 60 percent of the Legion’s charitable giving supports veterans organizations, while about 40 percent goes to community causes.
Recent recipients include:
Plymouth–Wayzata Youth Baseball and Softball
D.A.R.E. programs
Gillette Children’s Hospital
HopeKids
The Randy Shaver Cancer Research Fund
Sharing and Caring Hands
Wayzata Crime Prevention Coalition
Gambling revenues have also helped fund improvements to the Legion building itself. Carter said the organization recently added a third ADA-accessible restroom to better accommodate aging members and guests.
Partnership across the community
Both organizations emphasized their cooperative relationship with the city and with one another.
Mayor Andrew Mullin noted that when Wayzata allowed multiple charitable gambling licenses in the city, some had feared the organizations would compete for limited revenue.
Instead, he said, both groups appear to be thriving.
“We appreciate the relationship that we have with the city and with the Lions,” Carter said. “We look at it as a team to benefit the community, and we’re all working well together.”
City council members thanked both organizations for their service and contributions to the community.
Between the Lions and Legion operations, charitable gambling continues to generate millions of dollars in local economic activity and hundreds of thousands of dollars in charitable donations each year, supporting a wide range of programs across the Wayzata area.
WAYZATA — One of Minnesota’s most beloved winter traditions returns to the ice next month as the Wayzata Chilly Open tees off on Wayzata Bay Saturday, Feb. 7, marking its 41st year of turning the frozen surface of Lake Minnetonka into a full-scale celebration of winter, community, and creativity.
What began four decades ago as a quirky mid-winter diversion has grown into the largest and most well-known golf tournament played on ice anywhere in the world. Each year, more than 2,000 participants from near and far bundle up, don themed costumes, and take to the lake to putt tennis balls across four imaginative nine-hole courses using golf clubs and hockey sticks.
This year’s theme — Live from Wayzata… It’s the Chilly Open! — draws inspiration from Saturday Night Live, encouraging teams to lean into comedy, characters, and over-the-top flair. Golfers can register as a traditional foursome or assemble larger crews of 20 or more, transforming the bay into a lively stage of laughter and friendly competition.
Chilly Open
Tee times are scheduled for 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., with limited tickets available. Amateur golfers may register for $60, while Pro tickets are $115. All participants receive a signature Chilly Open hat and unlimited chili throughout the day.
Following their round, golfers and spectators alike are invited into the heated 19th Hole Tent for live music by PowerTap and the always-anticipated Chili Cookoff. More than 10 local restaurants will compete, with entries judged by a panel that includes Twin Cities food personalities, local chefs, and Wayzata Mayor Andrew Mullin.
The festivities extend well beyond the ice. The day begins with free Snowga — snow yoga — at 9 a.m., offering an energetic and lighthearted start to the morning. As the sun sets, the celebration continues throughout downtown Wayzata, where restaurants and bars host after-parties, inviting visitors to dine, shop, and linger as part of this signature winter weekend.
Presented by the Wayzata West Metro Chamber, the Chilly Open is supported by a wide range of local and regional sponsors and volunteers who help make the event possible year after year.
Tickets and event details are available at WayzataChillyOpen.com. Updates, photos, and announcements can also be found on the event’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, Mayor Andrew Mullin formally entered into the record a city statement clarifying the role of local law enforcement amid ongoing federal immigration enforcement activity across the Twin Cities metro and Minnesota.
“The Wayzata Police Department enforces only Minnesota state law and the City of Wayzata and the City of Long Lake ordinances,” Mullin read. He emphasized that local officers “do not enforce federal immigration law, do not inquire about immigration status, and do not collect that information.”
The statement further noted that enforcement of federal immigration law is conducted exclusively by federal agencies. Wayzata police do not participate in or collaborate with federal agencies on immigration enforcement, are not notified in advance of federal activity, and have no authority to direct, control, or interfere with federal agencies carrying out their lawful duties.
According to the statement, if Wayzata police are called to respond to a disturbance or enforcement activity involving federal agencies, their role is limited to de-escalation and public safety—not immigration enforcement. “The Wayzata Police Department’s primary responsibility is protecting public safety and the well-being of all individuals within the city,” Mullin read.
Mullin continued, “For the record, there have been reports of federal immigration activity in the city of Wayzata for several weeks now. The chief of police, the city manager and I, the mayor have been directly involved in working with impacted stakeholders, including local businesses to address concerns that were brought to our attention.” He also noted that, to date, there have been no magnified issues associated with the federal activity in Wayzata.
Mullin said the decision to release the statement was driven by the ongoing nature of the situation and a desire by city leadership, including the full council, to provide clear guidance on the city’s role and the role of its police department.
Mullin closed his remarks by acknowledging that federal immigration enforcement activity is affecting a broad range of stakeholders in the community. He said city leadership remains available to hear concerns from residents, businesses, and others impacted, both now and going forward, and emphasized that the city will continue to listen as the situation evolves. He added that, if appropriate, the city is prepared to adjust its approach and communication to respond to changing circumstances.
The City of Wayzata issued a statement today acknowledging recent federal law enforcement activity conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security within the community and clarifying the role of the Wayzata Police Department in such situations.
Mayor Andrew Mullin said the City’s statement on federal immigration enforcement was issued proactively, not in response to any specific incident in Wayzata. He noted that City officials have recently received an increase in general questions from residents about safety and law enforcement roles, prompting the decision to provide clear, factual information to the public.
The statement emphasized that the Wayzata Police Department enforces only Minnesota state law and the ordinances of the City of Wayzata and the City of Long Lake. The department does not enforce federal immigration law, does not ask about immigration status, and does not collect immigration-related information.
According to the statement, enforcement of federal immigration law is carried out exclusively by federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. Wayzata Police do not participate in or collaborate with federal agencies on immigration enforcement matters. Local police are not notified in advance of federal immigration enforcement activity and have no authority to direct, control, or interfere with federal agencies as they carry out their lawful duties.
The City reiterated that the primary responsibility of the Wayzata Police Department is to protect public safety and the well-being of all individuals within the city. If Wayzata Police are called to respond to a disturbance or are present during a federal enforcement action, their role is limited to de-escalation and ensuring safety—not immigration enforcement.
City officials said Wayzata remains committed to serving residents, maintaining public safety, and supporting the community. The City stated that it wants all residents, businesses, and visitors to feel safe in Wayzata, including when contacting local law enforcement.
Residents who witness immigration enforcement activity are encouraged to stay safe, remain peaceful, and follow the instructions of Wayzata Police officers, if present, as they work to keep everyone safe.
WAYZATA — Residents are invited to gather at City Hall on Thursday, Feb. 26, for the City of Wayzata’s annual State of the City address, an evening focused on civic priorities, community progress, and the opportunities ahead.
The event will be hosted by Andrew Mullin, who will deliver his second annual address in the City Hall Community Room. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for coffee and cookies, with the program beginning at 7 p.m.
The State of the City has become a key moment on Wayzata’s civic calendar, offering residents a comprehensive look at how the city is performing and where it is headed. Last year’s address emphasized Wayzata’s small-town identity, strong municipal fundamentals, thoughtful planning, and the importance of community trust and engagement.
This year’s program is expected to build on that foundation, highlighting current initiatives, upcoming projects, and long-range goals that balance Wayzata’s historic character with its evolving role as a vibrant lakeside city. Topics traditionally covered include city services, infrastructure, public safety, financial stewardship, and quality-of-life investments.
The address is open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend, listen, and take part in the shared civic conversation. No registration is required.
Event details
Date: Thursday, Feb. 26
Location: Wayzata City Hall, Community Room
Time: 6:30 p.m. coffee and cookies; 7 p.m. program
The State of the City provides an opportunity for residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to reflect on the past year while looking ahead to what’s next for Wayzata.
Council cites zoning standards, downtown retail policy as factors in 5–0 vote
The Wayzata City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to deny a request to further reduce required ground-floor retail space at 401 Lake Street East, affirming a recommendation from the Planning Commission and reinforcing long-standing retail policies for the downtown core.
The application, submitted by Studio BV on behalf of property owner Fish Base LLC, sought a variance to reduce required retail frontage and area along Lake Street from 22 percent—already lowered by a 2020 variance—to approximately 11 percent. The proposal would have allowed part of the existing Brick + Linen retail space to be converted into a conference room for the building’s third-floor office user.
File photo.
The property sits at the northeast corner of Lake Street and Manitoba Avenue, directly across from the Wayzata Depot to the south and Five Swans to the west. It is zoned C-4 Central Business District, where city code requires at least 50 percent of ground-floor frontage and area along Lake Street to be devoted to retail or service commercial uses.
Planning Commission recommendation
The Planning Commission reviewed the request in November and, on Dec. 1, adopted findings recommending denial. Commissioners concluded the applicant had not demonstrated the “practical difficulties” required for a variance under state law and city code, and that a further reduction in retail space would be inconsistent with the city’s comprehensive plan and the intent of Lake Street as a retail-oriented corridor.
Applicant explanation
During the council meeting, Mayor Andrew Mullin asked the applicant to explain what was driving the request. Aaron Foley, representing Fish Base LLC, said the ground-floor retail tenant has a lease running through 2029 but has struggled to make the retail component work. Foley said the proposal was intended to provide some relief to the tenant while allowing time to explore subleasing options, and to accommodate expansion needs for the office use on the third floor.
Foley confirmed there had been no additional sublease activity since the Planning Commission meeting, noting the tenant was waiting on the council’s final decision before moving forward.
Council discussion
Council members expressed empathy for the challenges facing downtown retailers, while repeatedly returning to the legal standards governing variances.
Councilmember Molly MacDonald said she supported the Planning Commission’s recommendation, citing its focus on maintaining retail in the downtown core. “I was really heartened to see and observe the Planning Commission’s commitment to retail in our downtown,” MacDonald said. “I support their findings and their recommendation for this application.”
Councilmember Dan Koch said he “struggled with this one,” noting the city’s history of allowing some flexibility in retail requirements for other Lake Street developments and his concern about vacant storefronts. However, he said the building had already received concessions at the time of approval and said he would respect the commission’s findings and support denial.
Councilmember Ken Sorensen agreed, describing the request as “a variance to a variance” and emphasizing the cumulative effect of repeated reductions in retail space. Sorensen acknowledged that vacant retail is a significant downtown issue, but said the broader challenge should be addressed separately from the application before the council.
Councilmember Alex Plechash called the situation unfortunate and said resizing the retail space could benefit both the tenant and the property owner without materially changing the building’s character. Still, he said the request did not meet the city’s code requirements and highlighted the need for a future policy discussion about requiring retail in locations where it may not function well.
Mayor Mullin said the variance criteria made approval difficult. “If you just look at the standard of variance, it’s hard to find the criteria that would support it,” Mullin said.
Mullin also pointed to rising commercial property taxes and operating costs as a growing pressure on downtown retailers, noting that Wayzata businesses are competing with regional shopping centers offering lower rents and higher traffic. He said the city should convene stakeholders to explore tools it can control—such as zoning definitions, potential tax relief, or other policy adjustments—to better support downtown retail over the long term.
Vote and next steps
After discussion, the council adopted Resolution 46-2025 denying the variance by a 5–0 vote.
While the decision leaves the existing retail requirements in place at 401 Lake Street East, several council members signaled interest in revisiting downtown retail policy more broadly in future workshops, separate from the variance process.
WAYZATA, Minn. (Dec. 2025) — After holding its annual Truth-in-Taxation hearing, the Wayzata City Council voted to adopt the 2026 final property tax levy and budget, closing out a months-long process that balances rising service demands with a continued commitment to fiscal restraint.
The Council approved Resolution 53-2025, certifying a final levy of $7,241,697, and Resolution 54-2025, establishing a total 2026 budget of $23,120,220. The action reduces the levy increase from the 7.5% reflected on residents’ preliminary notices down to 4.9%, a notable adjustment achieved through targeted refinements to the General Fund levy.
A Budget Shaped by Public Safety and Long-Range Planning
Staff walked the Council through the full financial landscape for the year ahead, beginning with the General Fund — the City’s primary operating account. Public safety remains Wayzata’s largest budget category, reflecting the community’s long-standing priority of maintaining a safe, responsive, and well-trained department. General government, public works, parks and recreation, community development, and fire services round out the remaining shares of the operational budget.
The City’s enterprise and special revenue funds — including water, sewer, stormwater, solid waste, motor vehicle services, liquor operations, cable TV, the cemetery, and the Wayzata Arena — were also reviewed. Together, these funds make up more than half of the City’s financial activity and are supported by user fees rather than property taxes. The combined liquor operations, one of Wayzata’s largest enterprise funds, continue to play a major role in supporting city services.
When all funds are combined, the 2026 total budget stands at $23.1 million, with the General Fund comprising nearly half.
Key Drivers Behind the 4.9% Levy Increase
Several factors shaped the final levy:
Addition of a full-time Fire Chief, scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026
Cost-of-living wage adjustments for city staff
Market-based pay adjustments for police officers to ensure competitive recruitment and retention
These investments align with the City’s strategic priorities: strengthening public safety staffing, advancing initiatives from the 2024–2026 Strategic Plan, and maintaining service levels without overburdening residents.
Staff also provided regional comparisons showing that Wayzata’s 4.9% levy increase is well below preliminary increases adopted by many Lake Minnetonka-area communities. With a 2026 projected tax rate of 19.6%, Wayzata continues to track lower than most peer cities — a point of pride for a community committed to careful financial stewardship.
Property tax distribution data further shows that only a portion of a resident’s total bill supports city operations, with schools, Hennepin County, and other jurisdictions making up the majority of the average tax payment.
Council Comments
Mayor Andrew Mullin opened the discussion by encouraging residents to stay engaged in the upcoming school district referendum. “I want residents aware of it and tune into it,” he said, noting that the proposed measure carries a direct financial impact. “If that levy is approved, the implication to it is $303 for every $650,000 of home value.” Mullin emphasized that he was not taking a position for or against the referendum, adding that his goal was simply to ensure residents had clear information as they evaluate the proposal. “The 4% preliminary looks nice, except when you look at a half billion dollar referendum… I’m just trying to provide information.”
Mullin explained why he would not support the final levy. “I’m gonna vote no on this tonight and I wanted to state my reasons,” he said. While he commended staff for reducing the projected levy from 14.5% to 4.9%, he pointed to external forces driving unusually high tax pressures across Hennepin County. “There’s some unique circumstances going on… pushing a significant burden to our property tax,” he said, noting that Wayzata saw an average 22.1% increase in property valuations — the highest in the county — while parts of the east metro experienced commercial decline. “It’s a double-edged sword…” he said, citing examples of property tax bills rising 10%, 25%, even 48% in a single year. He added that “we need to work harder to control what we can control” and said he “would have preferred to see a number in the threes versus 4.9.”
Councilmember Dan Koch offered a clarification during the budget discussion, noting that one of the reductions used to reach the 4.9% levy increase involved a proposed position—not an existing one. “I just want to make a point of clarification that we are not cutting an existing community service officer,” he said. Koch explained that the budget initially included a new CSO position, but after receiving input regarding operational needs and management considerations, the City chose not to move forward with adding the fourth role. “We’re just not increasing that,” he said. “We’ll maintain our three community service officers.”
Councilmember Alex Plechash underscored the significance of the work that went into lowering the levy during the Truth-in-Taxation process. “We’re about to approve a 4.9% increase, but I’d like the viewing audience to realize what went into that is that we still invested very well into public safety, in police, in fire, in our city staff, and we didn’t shortcut that at all,” he said. Plechash noted that the preliminary levy “initially started at 14.5%, something like that,” and emphasized that the City’s final number reflects substantial refinement without compromising essential services. “We were able to get that down to 4.9% and still not sacrificing public safety,” he said.
Councilmember Ken Sorensen reflected on the broader financial approach that shaped this year’s budget process, noting the value of the City’s longstanding fiscal discipline. “I think our overall strategy and a little conservatism has played well with this city and I think we are continuing now to be a little more aggressive with it,” he said. Sorensen added that his perspective on the 2026 budget was positive, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind it. “Overall I think my comments are generally complimentary to this team and the staff about the process we’ve been through this year.”
Next Steps: Capital Projects on Deck
With the operating budget and levy now finalized, the Council will turn its attention to the 2026–2035 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) at its December 16 meeting. The CIP outlines long-term investments in streets, utilities, parks, buildings, and major equipment — the infrastructure that shapes Wayzata’s future.
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