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Tonawanda mayor presents 2026 budget; council schedules public hearing for Oct. 28
Summary
Mayor presented the city—s proposed 2026 operating budget, highlighting a modest 2% increase in calls to the general fund, a 32% fund balance and plans for a budget advisory committee; the Common Council adopted a resolution setting a public hearing for Oct. 28, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Mayor presented the City of Tonawanda—s proposed 2026 operating budget and the Common Council voted to hold a public hearing on the plan on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 at 7 p.m. in council chambers.
The mayor described the 2026 proposal as a modest plan that aims to "keep taxes stable," saying his administration is proposing roughly a 2% increase in appropriations for certain general fund allocations and an estimated general fund allocation of about $3,455,000 "and change." He said the city—s general fund balance has grown in recent years — from roughly $10.3 million at the start of his term to more than $15.0 million by the end of 2022 — and that the current fund balance sits around 32 percent of the general fund.
"The substantial increase is not the result of misuse of general fund contrary to many concerns," the mayor said, noting recent audits and that auditors from Drescher & Malecki will present findings on Oct. 20. He proposed forming a budget advisory committee in early January consisting of two council members, the treasurer and the mayor to explore shared services and efficiency opportunities.
Council moved to amend the agenda and immediately adopted a resolution directing the city clerk to publish notice and schedule the public hearing on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m., consistent with Article 5, Section 5.022 of the city code. Council members also set a schedule of department workshops and meetings to review budget lines in advance of the adoption deadline; the council stated it must adopt a final budget in mid-November (council referenced adoption dates of Nov. 18 and Nov. 21 during discussion).
Why it matters: The public hearing is the principal formal opportunity for residents to question specific appropriations, including a $100,000 line item for a reassessment project the council highlighted during discussion. Council members and staff said they will meet with department heads across a series of workshops before final adoption.
What—s next: The council will hold departmental workshops and the public hearing on Oct. 28; auditors are expected to present audit findings on Oct. 20. Following those steps the council expects to adopt the budget in November.
(Reporting based on council meeting remarks and the adopted resolution recorded by the clerk.)
