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Woodstock council takes first vote on $86.2 million FY2026 budget; approves 2% COLA, new firefighters and water rate increase
Summary
The Woodstock mayor and council on May 19 cast a unanimous first vote on the city's proposed $86.2 million fiscal year 2026 budget. The plan includes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment capped at $2,000, funding for 12 new firefighter positions, a 4% water rate increase and major parks investments including the Little River Park project.
The Woodstock mayor and council cast a 6-0 vote May 19 on the first reading of the fiscal year 2026 proposed budget, a roughly $86.2 million spending plan that city staff said is balanced as presented.
Miss Welch, a city finance staff member presenting the budget, said the proposal assumes 2% estimated new construction growth, includes a 4% water rate increase effective July 1 and uses some reserves to blunt higher health insurance allocations. "This is the first reading of fiscal year 20 26 proposed budget," she said during the presentation.
The budget summary shows a citywide total of about $86.2 million, with the general fund proposed at about $32.3 million (roughly 38% of the total). Major line items spelled out by staff include a 2% citywide cost-of-living adjustment capped at $2,000, an average merit increase equivalent to about 3% (phased), the addition of 14 full-time…
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