BEMIDJI — The Bemidji City Council set its 2026 preliminary tax levy at 6% during Monday's special meeting in a 6-1 vote, with Ward 2 Councilor Josh Peterson as the lone dissenting vote. ADVERTISEMENTAll council members expressed a desire to keep the levy increase as low as possible, especially since the Beltrami County preliminary tax levy was set at 9.63% on Sept. 16. The preliminary levy is considered the ceiling and cannot be raised, but can be lowered before it is finalized in December. However, the 6% levy increase will not raise enough money for the city to accomplish all of its CIP goals for 2026. Council discussionWhen discussing preferred percentages, Peterson explained why 4% was his maximum preliminary levy.