Champlin Seeks Local Sales Tax for Indoor Athletic Facility

City Council takes first step to request legislative approval for tax to fund regional capital project

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Champlin City Council has approved a resolution authorizing staff to seek legislative approval for a local option sales tax to fund a proposed indoor athletic facility and other regionally significant capital improvements. The resolution directs staff to request authority from the Minnesota Legislature during the upcoming session to impose a half-percent local sales tax for up to 30 years, with the goal of raising up to $18 million for the project if approved by voters.

Why it matters

The proposed indoor athletic facility is expected to provide regional benefits, but the city must first obtain legislative approval before putting the sales tax measure before local voters. This is the first step in a multi-stage process that will require further feasibility studies, public engagement, and final approval.

The details

The Champlin City Council unanimously approved the resolution, which directs staff to seek legislative authority to impose a half-percent local sales tax for up to 30 years. The goal is to raise up to $18 million to fund the proposed indoor athletic facility and other regionally significant capital projects. City officials emphasized that this action does not immediately impose a tax, but rather begins the formal process to seek approval from the state legislature.

  • The Champlin City Council approved the resolution on February 19, 2026.
  • The city will request legislative approval during the upcoming 2026 legislative session.

The players

Champlin City Council

The governing body of the city of Champlin, Minnesota that approved the resolution to seek legislative approval for a local sales tax.

Jenny Max

The Champlin City Administrator who stated that the resolution is the first step in the process and does not immediately impose a tax.

Ryan Sabas

The Mayor of Champlin who recommended seeking authorization for up to $18 million in order to have more flexibility.

Tom Moe

A Champlin City Councilmember who noted that there is no guarantee the legislature will grant the request.

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What they’re saying

“This is simply directing staff to prepare the necessary documents and put forward a request through the legislative process. This is the first step in the process.”

— Jenny Max, City Administrator (hometownsource.com)

“I think that we should probably go more for the $18 million. That way it's easier to come down rather than going back to the Capitol later to ask for more or for an amendment.”

— Ryan Sabas, Mayor (hometownsource.com)

“There's no guarantee they're going to grant it. This is just a point saying we're going to ask for the authority.”

— Tom Moe, Councilmember (hometownsource.com)

What’s next

The city will request legislative approval during the 2026 legislative session. If granted, the proposal would then go before Champlin voters for approval.

The takeaway

Champlin is taking the first step in a multi-stage process to potentially fund a new indoor athletic facility and other regional capital projects through a local sales tax. While legislative approval is not guaranteed, the city is strategically positioning itself to present its case and ultimately seek voter approval if authorized.