SURREY – The City of Surrey and Surrey Park Board have finalized 2026 budgets that utilize the 3% increase in the property tax levy as allowed under state law, according to the City Auditor’s Office.

The extra 3% will generate $10,233 for the city and $2,242 for the park district, which will be spread across all taxpayers in their jurisdictions.

The park district has plans in next year’s budget to purchase a new mower and finish purchasing new hoops and coating for the basketball court recently poured this summer.

The City of Surrey will be raising liquor license and building permit fees next year to offset expected increases in the cost of street lighting, utilities and insurance, City Auditor Anita Trana said. Semi-annual liquor license fees will increase from $1,000 to $1,250. New permit fees will impact plan reviews for new houses.

City council members also indicated interest in creating a budget committee to help better understand how the new property tax credits will impact the city’s coming fiscal year. Surrey’s general fund will likely be in the red at the end of this year, with state reimbursement for the $1,600 primary residence credit not expected to be deposited with the city until next summer.

Trana said the general fund already is borrowing from enterprise funds to manage finances. The levy cap and delayed reimbursement will only increase the financial pressure next year, she said.