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Council hears 2026 general fund budget: $28.35 million levy, $6.46 estimated city tax rate
Summary
City staff presented the proposed 2026 general fund budget Oct. 6, 2025. The recommended tax levy is $28,345,123 (a 7.1% increase) and staff estimated a city tax rate of $6.46 per $1,000 of assessed value; the proposal includes staffing changes, a 28% projected fund balance and higher debt service tied to a new fire station.
City staff presented the proposed 2026 general fund budget to the Common Council on Oct. 6, 2025. Jesse, the budget presenter, said the recommended overall tax levy is $28,345,123 — a 7.1% increase from the prior year — and that staff estimate a city tax rate of $6.46 per $1,000 of assessed value. That rate translates, under the assumptions presented, to an estimated city tax portion of about $1,938.28 for an average home assessed at just over $300,000.
Nut graf: The proposal preserves or improves municipal services, shows a healthy projected fund balance (28% versus a 17% minimum recommendation) and funds higher debt service principally tied to the recently approved new fire station. Staff emphasized the figures are subject to change pending state property value inputs and levy numbers from overlapping jurisdictions.
Key figures and assumptions presented
- Recommended tax levy: $28,345,123 (7.1% increase). - Estimated city tax rate: $6.46 per $1,000 of assessed value (2025 rate was $6.10). Without the new fire station debt, staff said the rate would have been approximately $6.34. - Estimated average city tax for a single‑family home valued at about $300,000: $1,938.28 (city portion only; excludes county, school and technical college levies). - Projected fund balance: 28% (city minimum recommended at 17%).
Staffing and budget adjustments
Jesse said the budget includes several staffing changes: one additional full‑time equivalent (FTE) in the Department of Public Works, one additional FTE in Parks, Recreation & Forestry, reclassification of the airport superintendent from part‑time to full‑time to support the airport improvement and expansion project, and reclassification of an office technician in the clerk’s office to assistant deputy clerk to better match duties and pay.
Budget methodology and timeline
Staff said some increases reflect consolidating technology and licensing under IT for oversight. The presentation also flagged that the city is still awaiting manufacturing property valuations from the State of Wisconsin and levy numbers from the school district and county, which could affect the final tax rate. Capital borrowing and the capital improvement plan will be presented in detail at the Oct. 20 meeting; final budget approval is scheduled for the first week of November.
Council comments and next steps
Council members thanked staff and department heads for their work and were urged to submit questions to Jesse, the mayor or department heads before the final budget adoption. Staff asked council members to direct technical questions ahead of the Nov. meeting rather than on the floor at adoption.
