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Janesville council sets 2026 budget parameters, signals fee changes; vote passes 6–1
Summary
The council adopted 2026 budget parameters and directed staff to use proposed fee adjustments as a budget base; the motion passed 6–1 with Councilmember Erdman voting no. Staff presented a list of recommended fee changes and longer-term parameters for the operating levy, capital funding and labor adjustments.
The Janesville Common Council voted July 26 to adopt parameters for the 2026 budget process and directed staff to incorporate recommended fee changes as a starting point for the budget. The motion passed 6–1, with Councilmember Erdman voting no.
Why it matters: The parameters set the framework for how staff will build the 2026 budget, including allowable levy growth, treatment of capital financing, employee compensation direction, and use of fund balance. Staff said the city’s general fund has limited revenue diversity and asked council to approve fees and other assumptions so departments can finalize budget requests.
Key points from staff presentations: - Finance Director Dave Godek recommended increasing the operating property-tax levy by the allowable amount under Wisconsin levy limits and preserving infrastructure investment. He proposed a minimal use of unrestricted fund balance and asked council to consider shifting…
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