West Allis council holds public hearing on 2026 budget; finance director cites levy limits, new ambulance Medicaid revenue and $31.7M capital plan

The West Allis Common Council on Nov. 4 held a public hearing on Mayor Dan Devine—s recommended 2026 budget, during which the city—s finance director outlined ongoing revenue constraints and the items proposed to balance next year—s plan.

Jason, the city—s finance director, told the council that "the city faces a structural budget deficit every single year" and summarized how the 2025 gap was bridged with increased shared revenues and savings from a merged health department. He said Wisconsin—s state-mandated levy limits and an expenditure restraint limit, which the city—s presentation tied to net new construction, have constrained local taxing capacity.

To help close the 2026 budget gap, staff identified several revenue offsets, including about $450,000 in new…