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Oshkosh council debates biennial budget proposal; staff to study feasibility
Summary
Councilmembers discussed moving from an annual to a biennial budget process. Opinions were split; staff and the new city manager will research impacts and report back, with possible consideration for 2027 implementation.
Councilmembers spent substantial time at the Feb. 25 meeting debating whether Oshkosh should move from an annual to a biennial budget process. Councilmember Larson introduced the idea, citing potential efficiencies and greater predictability for taxpayers. Responses among council members and staff were mixed; the council directed the city manager and finance staff to study the idea and report back, with a possible implementation timeline of 2027 if chosen.
Why it matters: The budget process sets tax levies and departmental priorities. Changing cadence could affect staff workload, council engagement and fiscal responsiveness to changing conditions.
Points raised in discussion: Councilmember Larson argued biennial budgeting might save time and produce more consistent tax bills and allow departments to pursue multi-year planning. Supporters, including council members Flom and Ressler, said it could reduce the yearly burden and allow more deliberate expense management. Several council members, including Stevenson, voiced skepticism, saying annual review provides needed oversight and timely adjustments and that staff would still need to update information annually.
Staff and manager comments: Finance staff and interim presenters said national experiences vary and that changes could lead to efficiencies in some municipalities and large adjustments in others. City manager Rebecca Grill said implementing a biennial budget in her first year would be challenging given the structural deficit and recommended delaying major process change until staff and council have time to examine options, suggesting a feasibility review and potential consideration for the 2027 budget cycle.
Decision: The council did not adopt a biennial budget at the meeting. Members asked staff and the city manager to research the effects on staff time, council oversight and citizens, and report back in early 2026. Several councilors requested staff document specific problems in the existing process to target improvements rather than rushing to a two-year cycle.
Ending: Council agreed to study the idea and gather more information, with staff directed to return recommendations and trade-offs to the council for a later decision.
