The Plymouth Common Council voted to adopt the 2026 annual budget and to levy the 2025 property tax after a public hearing on Nov. 11.

City Administrator Tim Blakely presented the budget, saying it “maintains high quality city services while keeping our assessed tax rate increase modest at 1%,” with the assessed tax rate moving from 6.06 per $1,000 to 6.12 per $1,000. Blakely told the council the total levy adjustment is $903,000 to support capital improvements, debt management and continued investment in city services, enabled in part by a one-time TID closure impact and adjusted debt service obligations.

Blakely said water, wastewater and electric utility rates are planned at 0% change for 2026 and described wage proposals including a 3% increase and the second phase of a compensation and classification study, plus implementation of a three-year police union contract.

On funding details, Blakely said Plymouth Utilities’ payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) is expected to be about $670,000 for 2026 and that a $2.5 million housing increment fund from the TID #4 extension included a $2.0 million allocation toward an SCEDC affordable/workforce housing project now in planning.

Mayor and councilors asked clarifying questions about short-term debt and the housing increment fund; Blakely said short-term debt largely falls off in 2027 and new borrowing taken this year is long-term.

Alderman Tausiak moved to adopt Resolution No. 12 (the 2026 annual budget); the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. The chair announced the motion carried.

The adopted budget document will guide city services and capital projects for 2026; staff and councilors thanked finance staff, including Finance Director Chris Russo, for their work preparing the proposal.