City Manager Patrick Moore and Director of Administration Tricia Davey presented the proposed 2026 city budget to the Fond du Lac City Council on Aug. 20, describing it as balanced and financially stable. Moore said the proposal includes a recommended tax levy of $35,100,000, with $2.1 million allocated to the public library and total expenditures balanced at about $41.5 million.
Moore outlined three strategic priorities: maximizing public safety, expanding prosperity (including housing and partnerships) and maintaining and improving existing assets. He said public safety and public works account for roughly 80% of spending. Davey and Moore reported that Standard & Poor’s affirmed the city’s bond rating and that the city’s fund balance and reserves are stronger than they have been in many years.
Moore described a wage study that will align positions to market rates and add one step for non‑union employees starting Jan. 1; he said tentative labor agreements for public safety units are expected in the coming weeks. He highlighted that, unusually, the city will begin 2026 with the same insurance premiums as 2025. The schedule calls for the formal proposed budget and wage study to be posted on the city website on Friday and an additional council meeting in September for budget adoption.