Brown Deer previews 2026 budget: recycling fee rise, health department gap, utilities updates and library needs

Village finance and department leaders presented the 2026 budget framework on Oct. 6, reporting improved shared-revenue estimates that lowered the projected levy increase and offering fund-level details and fee proposals.

Key budget highlights

- Levy and shared revenue: Finance staff said new shared revenue and transportation-aid estimates reduced the prior levy projection from 3.99% to about 3.62% for 2026. The village will finalize the levy after the Nov. 17 public hearing.

- Health department: Becky said expiring federal COVID-era grants reduced recurring revenue and produced a funding gap. She requested a 4.14% contribution increase from member municipalities (less than the 13% initially requested) and said she is pursuing other revenue including county support and a new North Shore Health Department Foundation to raise private funds. Funding for a community case manager remains contingent on external grants and county support.

- Recycling fund & user fee: Staff recommended increasing the recycling user fee (historically $80) to better cover contract and processing costs after a contract renewal with GFL and increased recycling processing expenses. The staff discussion noted the fee had not increased in approximately two decades and recommended public notice before a January effective date. The proposed new fee level cited by staff was approximately $140 (final number to be set through the budget and public process).

- Water utility: Water staff said they were not proposing a retail rate increase for calendar 2026 but noted a full rate case will be required later (a conventional rate case tied to Milwaukee Water Works wholesale pricing is anticipated). Staff also said contributed capital from development will appear in the 2026 fund figures.

- Sewer: Staff described a scheduled retirement and a restructured staffing plan that broadens operational coverage; they also reported an MMSD-funded lateral and lining project for the 60 Seventh Street area (18 homes) had been submitted and preliminarily approved for funding.

- Library: Library staff reported organizational changes that increase front-desk staffing and noted a pending generator quote to maintain operations in outages; library rental revenues and space rentals grew and staff continue lease discussions with tenants.

Next steps: Staff will publish formal budget documents and notice a public hearing on Nov. 17, 2025, with additional line-item detail to accompany final levy and user-fee proposals. Several items discussed (recycling fee increase, library generator, health-department funding) will return to the board with more detailed cost estimates and proposed ordinance language as applicable.