West Bend council adopts balanced 2026 budget; tax rate set at $6.46 per $1,000

The West Bend Common Council on Nov. 10 approved the city's 2026 operating budget, adopting Resolution 43 that appropriates funds for government operations and administration for the coming year.

City Administrator Jesse summarized the proposal to the council, saying the budget seeks an approximate $28,300,000 tax levy with a city tax rate estimated at $6.46 per $1,000 of assessed value. He told the council the city's portion of the property tax bill for an average single‑family home is roughly $1,940 and that the levy funds services including police, fire, EMS, library services, snow plowing and refuse collection.

The budget maintains staff levels in most departments while adding targeted positions: an additional employee for parks, recreation and forestry, an additional public works employee, and creation of a full‑time airport superintendent. The capital plan, previously approved, commits just under $3,000,000 to ongoing road improvements and continues the city’s construction program for a new fire station.

Jesse said the packet shows only modest changes from the October presentation and emphasized staff and department heads’ work to produce a balanced plan that sustains municipal services. Council members who spoke thanked staff for the predictable presentation and expressed support for the package.

A motion to place the budget on the floor was made and seconded; after brief remarks the council approved Resolution 43 by voice vote. The council also closed the public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget earlier in the meeting, saying no members of the public had come forward to comment.

The budget package now stands adopted with the capital and operating provisions described; the council will proceed with implementation as reflected in department budgets and the capital improvement program.