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Canton holds public hearing on FY2026 budget with proposed millage cut and $42 million in capital projects
Summary
City Manager Luckett presented the proposed FY2026 budget at a July 17 public hearing, describing a balanced $94.7 million all-funds plan that includes a millage reduction to 5.25, nearly $42 million in capital investment, and recommended fee changes including a 2.5% water/sewer rate increase. Council will consider formal adoption Aug. 7.
City Manager Luckett presented the City of Canton’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget at a public hearing July 17, saying the all‑funds budget totals $94,700,000 and “the budget is balanced.”
The proposed plan would reduce the millage rate from 5.40 to 5.25 and includes nearly $42,000,000 in capital investments for water and sewer, parks and transportation infrastructure. Luckett told the council the reduction “would have a revenue impact to the city of about $330,000.”
The proposal funds core services, funds employee compensation increases and programs a large capital improvement program. Luckett said about 44% of the all‑funds total is devoted to capital projects and that the water and sewer fund is proposed at $36,400,000, including $19,400,000 in capital. He also recommended a 2.5% increase in water and sewer rates and a stormwater fee increase noted in the fee schedule.
Resident Thomas Weaver spoke during the hearing, raising concerns about the council’s repeated reliance on reserves and the sustainability of that approach. Weaver said concern centers on growing exemptions and the interaction with tax assessments: “I would invite the mayor and council to consider notwithstanding the fact that I know that the mayor and council are strong stewards of every last red cent that is entrusted to you by your constituents, that your continued reliance on the reserves to artificially deflate the millage over time may no longer be sustainable.”
Weaver also warned that pending state legislation could reduce fine‑related revenues the city currently budgets. He specifically cited “house bill 2 25” and told council that if enacted it “would repeal the red speed program altogether, and it would cause a loss of of funds.” Luckett’s presentation and the city’s May financial report referenced lower fines and forfeitures revenue year‑to‑date and estimated the red‑speed/fines decline at roughly $750,000 for FY2025.
Council members thanked staff for the budget work and reiterated next steps: the budget documents have been available online since July 3 and staff recommended formal adoption at the council’s August 7 meeting. No final adoption occurred July 17.
Votes and formal actions from the July 17 meeting did not adopt the budget; the council instead closed the hearing and scheduled adoption for Aug. 7.
