Oshkosh council adopts 2026 city budget, sets levy at $7.77 per $1,000 valuation

The Oshkosh Common Council voted Nov. 11 to adopt the city's 2026 annual operating budget and establish the tax levy. Finance staff reported preliminary estimates of $7.73 per $1,000 in valuation, then noted that finalized state manufacturing values changed the rate to $7.77.

Deputy Mayor Stevenson and other council members thanked finance staff for work to hold the levy roughly flat and for efforts to balance investment and tax-bill impacts on households. Councilmembers described the budget as a step toward improving city efficiency while continuing necessary investments in services and economic development projects downtown.

The council also separated the Grand Opera House budget from the main budget package. Resolution 25580 for the Grand Opera House passed after Councilmember Bielow stated he works at the venue and voted "present." The main budget resolution (25579) passed on the council vote.

Councilmembers discussed ongoing negotiations with the Oshkosh Area Humane Society and were told staff hoped to present a related item to council by the end of the month. The council scheduled related budget and CIP considerations as part of upcoming meetings.