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Elgin adopts FY2026 budget, raises tax rate amid $1.3 million EMS shortfall; council approves 4% COLA for police step plan
Summary
Elgin City Council approved a $2025–26 budget and set a 2025 tax rate after debate over an estimated $1.3 million shortfall tied to local EMS funding. Council also approved a late amendment to add a 4% cost-of-living adjustment for police officers on the department's step pay plan.
Elgin City Council on Sept. 16 approved the city's fiscal year 2026 budget and set a property tax rate intended to cover an estimated $1.3 million shortfall tied to emergency medical services (EMS) funding, while also voting to add a 4% cost-of-living adjustment for sworn police staff on the department's step pay plan. The budget ordinance covers the fiscal year Oct. 1, 2025'Sept. 30, 2026; council then adopted an ordinance levying a total tax rate of 0.619296 per $100 valuation.
The vote to ratify the property-tax increase reflected in the proposed budget passed after public council discussion; the motion to add the 4% COLA specifically for police step-plan staff was moved and approved as an amendment before final approval of the budget ordinance. Finance and city staff told council that the budget as proposed assumes a 4% property-tax…
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