The Saint Paul mayor and city council are at odds with the tax levy increase as the city works to pass a new budget.

The St. Paul City Council voted 5-1 to approve the 2025 budget Wednesday evening. The version they approved included a 5.9% property tax increase. The increase is down from Mayor Melvin Carter’s original proposal at nearly 8%,

With a contentious budget vote looming, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter has told the city council that if they’re looking to save property owners from unpopular tax increases next year, they can start by canceling a planned $2 million renovation of council offices.