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Waterloo council adopts FY2026 budget; published levy rate limits changes after public comment
Summary
The Waterloo City Council adopted the FY2026 budget with a total property tax asking of $53,630,715 and reaffirmed that state rules prevent the council from exceeding the levy rate that was published in the budget notice. Council members debated whether to publish a "not to exceed" maximum in future notices to allow downward adjustments.
The Waterloo City Council adopted a resolution approving the fiscal year 2026 budget, including a total property tax asking of $53,630,715, and rescinded an earlier resolution (2025-39) as part of the action.
Council discussion focused on a recent change in how the budget levy is certified. Several council members said state procedures now prevent the city from certifying a levy above the amount published in the legal notice for the budget hearing; as a result the council adjusted its levy back to the amount that was published. One councilmember summarized the procedural constraint as: the city cannot exceed the rate that was published for the public notice.
Members debated whether publishing a higher “not to exceed” maximum in future notices would give staff flexibility to make downward adjustments while preserving public notice about potential increases. Council members and staff also discussed that a large share of the city budget is personnel costs and that some service areas have staffing shortfalls; specific positions and estimated costs were referenced in the discussion but no formal staffing changes were approved as part of the budget vote.
The clerk called roll and recorded affirmative votes from Mr. Boesen, Creighton Smith, Mr. Simon, Mr. Foyce and Mr. Nichols. The council adopted the FY2026 budget as presented to meet statutory filing deadlines; staff were directed to submit the finalized paperwork to the state.
