Fond du Lac releases 2026 budget, proposes 2.3% levy and several major capital projects

Fond du Lac City Manager Joe Moore presented the draft 2026 budget and five‑year capital improvement plan at the Sept. 17 special meeting, saying the plan proposes a 2.3% property tax levy and “fully funds the operations, protects the bond rating, and provides for a healthy fund balance.” The council did not vote on the budget; a public hearing is scheduled for the second meeting in October and the council expects final adoption at the first meeting in November.

The budget, Moore said, incorporates results of the recent property revaluation and a citywide wage study. “This is the best budget that I think Tricia and I’ve ever been involved with in terms of what it provides for in stability,” Moore said. He and Director of Administration Trisha Davey also reviewed CIP highlights and next steps for projects.

Nut graf: The draft keeps levy growth modest at 2.3% while funding a mix of continuing and new capital projects, including public‑safety equipment, street and bridge work, and utility system investments. The timetable gives the public several weeks to review budget materials before the October hearing and again before a November adoption vote.

Most important items in the CIP include a multi‑year program for inflow and infiltration reduction totaling about $4,000,000 over five years, an expanded lead service line abatement program that began this year and grows in 2026 and beyond, and a proposed replacement of the Stowe Street Bridge on the city’s east side. The budget also allocates funds for parks work, notably improvements at the Adelaide ball field (new fence, backstop and dugouts), and purchases of additional movable vehicle barricades for downtown events to reduce the risk of vehicle intrusions.

Moore said the city learned it must place an order now to receive a fire truck needed in 2029; the CIP shows roughly $1.5 million in 2026 for a new fire engine to reserve production capacity. Davey noted the CIP also includes continued investments related to the riverfront plan and initial funding for the North Main vision.

On process, Moore summarized the timeline: staff will publish the public hearing notice in the paper ahead of the second October meeting, the council will hold that hearing, and adoption of the budget and levy is expected in November after the county begins printing tax bills. Moore asked council members to submit any additional questions for the record in the coming weeks so staff can reflect those in future agendas.

Ending: No motions to change the budget or CIP were offered at the Sept. 17 session. The council received the presentation and will take public comment at the scheduled October hearing before a final vote in November.