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Canton council adopts balanced FY2026 budget, lowers millage to 5.25 mills
Summary
Council approved the FY2026 budget that reduces the millage rate from 5.40 to 5.25, advances about $42 million in capital projects and increases the general fund to roughly $30.5 million; the vote adopted proposed fee and rate adjustments including modest water/sewer and stormwater increases.
The Canton City Council on Aug. 7, 2025 adopted the city’s FY2026 budget and fee schedule, approving a package city staff described as balanced and including the lowest millage rate in city history.
Staff summarized the budget as an all-funds plan of roughly $94.7 million — an increase of about $11.2 million (13%) over FY2025 — driven largely by nearly $42 million in planned capital projects for water and sewer, parks and transportation. The general fund was presented at about $30.5 million, an increase of approximately $2.7 million (10%) to cover rising day-to-day costs, fleet and infrastructure maintenance and the city’s payment for fire services.
Staff also proposed a reduced millage from 5.40 to 5.25 mills and an expanded floating homestead exemption that staff said increases exemptions by 23%. The budget package includes funding for three new positions, elimination of one position, and an employee compensation increase. Staff recommended modest utility fee changes: a 2.5% increase in water and sewer rates and a $0.50 monthly increase in the stormwater utility fee (from $1.25 to $1.75).
Councilmember McGrew moved to adopt the FY2026 budget, fee schedule and budget ordinance; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with all members in favor. Council members asked staff to improve public communication about tax statements so residents better understand the change and the city’s role in property-tax billing.
The budget takes effect as adopted; staff will implement the capital projects and fee changes described in the budget documents.
