The Oshkosh Common Council adopted the city’s 2026 annual budget and established the tax levy at its Nov. 11 meeting, approving related financing for capital improvement projects.

Finance staff reported that finalized manufacturing values from the state changed preliminary estimates, revising the tax rate estimate from $7.73 to $7.77 per $1,000 of assessed value. "We received the finalized manufacturing values from the state, so the updated rate is $7.77," finance staff said during the meeting. Staff clarified that the state controls manufacturing property valuation and the city uses those numbers in its calculations.

Council members repeatedly thanked finance staff for producing a balanced budget and for efforts that kept the levy level equal to last year. Council Member Flom called the package "a good start" in a broader efficiency effort, saying the city must be mindful of families who are financially stretched and ensure tax dollars are well used.

The council also considered and separately approved the Grand Opera House 2026 budget (Resolution 25-5-80); one council member who works at the Opera House voted "present" on that item. The council then approved Resolution 25-5-81 to authorize financing for the 2026 capital improvement program after a resident raised concerns about project costs and assessment impacts in annexed areas.

Next steps: staff will continue negotiations with the Oshkosh Area Historical Society on a related item and will implement financing plans for the capital program as approved.