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West Bend adopts $10.6 million 2026 capital budget; tax rate unchanged, borrowing plan remains cyclical
Summary
The Common Council approved a $10.6 million capital budget for 2026 with a $4.0 million customary non‑TID borrowing and a separate borrowing for a new fire station. The city’s tax rate will not change from prior estimates, and staff moved a Public Works truck purchase back into 2026 using found funds and medical transport revenue.
The City of West Bend Common Council on Oct. 20 approved the 2026 capital budget and five‑year plan, a $10.6 million package that city staff said does not change the previously reported tax rate.
Jesse (last name not specified), presenting for the Finance Department, said the 2026 capital program totals about $10.6 million split between approximately $8.7 million of non‑TID projects and $1.9 million of projects within tax incremental financing (TID) districts. Staff provided a departmental breakdown showing facilities at about $5.2 million, roads and engineering about $2.9 million, vehicles about $540,000 and equipment about $45,000.
Jesse told the committee the presentation uses a customary $4.0 million non‑TID borrowing financed over 10 years; the proposed new fire station is a separate borrowing financed over 20 years. He said the city follows a cyclical borrowing practice: new borrowings are scheduled as prior debt is retired.
Specific line items called out in the presentation include a $406,000 final payment for Fire Engine 12, $300,000 to replace City Hall boilers, $100,000 for a replacement play structure at Manc Playfield, $45,000 for camera upgrades at dispatch, and a $40,000 allocation for proactive maintenance on the library HVAC unit. Staff also earmarked $21,000 for Riverside Park Pavilion HVAC upgrades.
Jesse said truck number 1244 was inadvertently moved to 2027 in an earlier spreadsheet edit; staff worked with departments to find $107,000 of available funds and proposed using $43,000 from forthcoming general medical transport payments to the Fire Department to complete a $150,000 allocation that will allow purchase of the truck chassis in 2026 and upfitting in 2027.
On TID‑funded projects, Jesse described a $1.9 million financing package: roughly $500,000 for road improvements and engineering (including 18th Avenue design work) and $1.4 million for regional stormwater design and construction. He noted TID borrowings are repaid from tax increment generated by the projects.
The presentation reiterated the city's debt capacity is well below statutory limits; staff said the city is about $180 million under its debt capacity tied to an equalized value figure presented at the meeting.
Council members asked about operational costs for proposed facility improvements; Jesse responded that utility and maintenance costs would come from operating budgets and rental revenues where applicable. After discussion the council unanimously approved the 2026 capital budget and five‑year plan.
