Greenfield council adopts 2026 budget, levies $29.66 million in property taxes

The Greenfield Common Council voted unanimously on Nov. 4 to adopt the city's 2026 annual budget and levy $29,656,631 in property taxes, following a public hearing and extended presentation from city officials.

Mayor (name not specified in the record) read the resolution and summarized the budget priorities before the vote, saying the levy amount set is "$29,656,631 exclusive of the TIF levy" and outlining spending on core services. "The police department is overwhelmingly the largest user of assets, at over $12,000,000," the mayor said, and he listed the fire department at roughly $9,000,000 and public works/community development at about $5,000,000.

The council-approved budget retains a focus on public safety and basic services while funding about $13 million in anticipated capital projects for roads, parks, library roofs and equipment. The mayor told the council the city now finances most capital equipment with debt and flagged approximately $2.8 million in capital equipment financing expected next year.

Council members discussed a new special revenue fund for the turf skateboard park to hold revenues from a cell tower lease and a possible billboard; under prior land agreements those revenues must remain dedicated to the park. The mayor said the city is pursuing a state recreation/cultural grant and that an estimated land donation for the project is valued at about $2.2 million, with parking improvements in the $1.5 million range and restroom/shelter costs estimated at $700,000'$800,000.

The council also approved one new staff position shared with the Greenfield School District: a police liaison officer who will spend roughly three-quarters of the time at the middle school, with the district paying about $75,000 toward the position.

On procedure, Ald. Bruce Fastner moved to approve the levy resolution and Ald. Druswicki seconded; roll-call votes recorded unanimous ayes. After an additional motion to reconsider and a subsequent reaffirmation vote, the council confirmed the earlier action.

Other routine budget-related approvals during the meeting included a $5,000 transfer from the police equipment replacement account into the capital equipment account and the approval of mileage reimbursements, disbursement schedules, investments/reinvestments and September financial statements.

What happens next: the budget and levy take effect as adopted; the city and finance staff will proceed with implementation and listed capital projects and grant applications.