Oak Creek council adopts 2026 budget with $4 million surface transportation boost

The Oak Creek Common Council on Nov. 18 adopted the city's 2026 executive budget following a public hearing at which no members of the public spoke.

Max Gagan, deputy city administrator and finance officer, told the council the city's portion of the levy is increasing by about $1,400,000—or roughly 5.4%—and recommended the council adopt Ordinance 31-42 to make the 2026 appropriations. "The largest increase is really in the debt service fund about $577,000 ... this being the really the first year of debt service payments for that enhanced surface transportation relocation program," Gagan said.

The budget increases the capital program for surface transportation from $1,000,000 to $4,000,000 in 2026 and puts the total capital improvement program just under $10,000,000, Gagan said. He also outlined a recommended 3.5% wage adjustment for all city employees effective Jan. 1, 2026, and said the budget adds part-time positions including a graphic designer and additional library staffing to support expanded programs.

Gagan told the council the closure of Tax Increment District (TID) No. 7 earlier in the year reduced the TID levy and helped offset some of the debt-service increases. He summarized projected figures for the levy and tax rate and said the city's levy is just over $28,000,000; the city-only portion of the tax bill for a median assessed home (reported in the presentation as $368,800) was shown in the presentation as approximately $1,900 to $1,938 per year.

Council members asked questions of staff and several members thanked staff for the budget work. Alderman Marshall moved to adopt Ordinance 31-42, and the motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote with the members present voting "aye." Alderman Ritz was recorded earlier in the meeting as excused.

The ordinance adopts the 2026 budget and makes appropriations as presented. No effective date beyond the adoption was specified in the meeting record; implementation steps and departmental spending will proceed under the adopted appropriations.

What this means: the adopted budget directs increased spending on transportation projects and raises debt-service obligations in the near term, while the recommended wage adjustment and added staff positions are intended to address market and service needs.

Next steps: with the ordinance adopted by roll call at the Nov. 18 meeting, departments will move forward on the capital program and budgeted replacements and projects noted in the presentation.