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West Bend officials outline 2026 budget with 7.1% tax-levy increase, average city tax rate up to $6.46
Summary
City Administrator Jesse presented a balanced 2026 general-fund budget calling for a $28,345,123 tax levy (a 7.1% increase). Officials cited debt service for a new fire station as the main driver; capital projects and final property valuations remain pending.
City Administrator Jesse presented the City of West Bend’s proposed 2026 general-fund budget on Oct. 6, 2025, asking the Common Council to review a $28,345,123 tax levy — a 7.1% increase over 2025.
Jesse said the proposal is balanced “by law” with no use of fund balance programmed and that the general fund accounts for roughly 70% of the levy’s allocation. “The recommended overall tax levy for the 2026 budget comes in at $28,345,123. This is a 7.1% increase,” Jesse said.
The budget presentation stressed that the largest single driver of increased debt-service costs is the city’s recent commitment to build a new fire station and training facility. Jesse said that without that commitment,…
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