The Waupaca common council on Nov. 18 adopted the city’s 2026 budget after staff revised the levy and staffing plan following a retirement in the building inspection unit. City administrator Josh Finch told the council staff “is no longer recommending funding the second full time inspector position at this time,” and proposed a smaller levy.

The budget originally presented included the full allowable levy increase of $61,609 for a total levy of $4,187,571, Finch said. After the staffing adjustment the updated proposed levy is $4,156,571 and projected permanent revenue was reduced from $465,000 to $435,000. Finch said the change yields a revised mill rate of $7.76, down from the originally proposed $7.82.

Finance director Stephanie Wright confirmed the packet before council reflected the updated numbers and noted staff are awaiting two Department of Revenue items—the school tax levy credit and the lottery credit—expected Nov. 20; those will be incorporated into the final tax-summary materials after resolution adoption.

Council discussion included procedural and policy implications of reducing staffing. A council member asked whether foregoing the full allowable levy this year would allow the city to recapture that levy in future years; Finch answered, “Yes. That is accurate,” noting the choice is permanent if the council does not levy to its limit now.

The council approved Resolution No. 1584, designating appropriations and levying taxes for the 2026 budget, by roll call vote (10 ayes). Wright said staff will update final figures for public distribution once the DOR credits are released.

Next steps: the adopted resolution will be used to finalize the tax levy and the city will publish an updated tax summary when the state credits are posted.