Brownsburg presents $83.6 million 2026 budget; levies, grants and capital projects drive key uncertainties

Town staff presented the first reading of the Town of Brownsburg’s 2026 proposed budget, showing $83,614,643 in department requests and highlighting capital projects, employee pay adjustments and several funding uncertainties that will affect the town’s tax rate and service levels. The council set a second reading and public hearing for Oct. 9.

The proposed budget includes nearly $15 million in capital projects, led by design work for an I‑74 interchange bridge, corridor work on North Green Street, a County Road 309 roundabout and multiple parks and utility projects. “Here is the overview of our capital projects. And as you can see, the I‑seventy 4 interchange bridge design is the biggest ticket on there,” said Deb, a staff member who presented the budget. The general fund request is slightly over $20 million; overall requests across funds total $83,614,643.

Why this matters: the package affects tax rates, service staffing and multi‑year obligations. Deb emphasized that Brownsburg’s service area and net assessed value have grown while the town has fewer employees than in 2018, saying the town now serves more people “and we actually have 8 less than we did in 2018.” That growth, combined with rising inflation and higher insurance costs, is a primary driver of the spending increases.

Major budget elements and funding notes - Capital projects: The budget lists about $14–15 million in capital work, including the I‑74 interchange bridge design, North…