Racine Common Council adopts 2026 city budget after debate over $4.5 million levy increase
November 06, 2025 | Racine, Racine County, Wisconsin
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Alder Weidner challenged the package during debate, saying the levy increased "four and a half million dollars for this year," a jump he described as "the worst I have ever seen in my career on common council." He cited an operating levy figure rising to $40,042,000, a debt service increase to $22,881,000 and a combined levy total he gave as $62,923,089; he also said the numbers include roughly $1.5 million from a referendum to retain nine positions.
Alder Allen acknowledged concerns about the tax burden but said community members had asked the council to preserve services such as fire protection and library services and to fund programs that support safety and jobs. "When people come in front of us and say that they are willing to pay for services that increase their safety," Allen said, the council should listen.
The motion to approve the budget was presented as the administration's communication sponsored by Mayor Mason and was moved by Alder Horton. The council conducted a roll call; the motion passed 8 ayes, 5 nos.
The transcript records robust debate over the levy level and the impact on residents, including references to TID (tax increment district) levies created since 2019. The record does not show additional amendments adopted at the Nov. 6 meeting beyond those rolled into the package described by the mover.
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