Warren City Council adopted the 2026 municipal budget after public comment that highlighted both fiscal pressures from pending tax appeals and community investment priorities.

City staff summarized the proposed budget, listing a general fund of $10,407,670, a community improvement program of $5,656,000, a New York Fund of $3,027,532 and a parking fund of $562,876.

Mayor Wertman expressed support for continuing funding of the Warren Works economic-development initiative and recommended restoring $25,000 to return city support toward a $100,000 shared target with county and private partners. "I would like to see as part of the 2026 budget... that $25,000 back to what we had originally contemplated," the mayor said.

Council member Champlin and other residents raised questions about legal costs the city may face defending assessment appeals and whether the budgeted legal line item would be sufficient. Staff and council members said legal expenses for appeals are unknown and will be charged only if the city engages representation.

After debate, council moved and seconded a motion to adopt the budget as presented; a roll-call vote approved the 2026 municipal budget.

The adopted budget includes a $75,000 allocation for Warren Works; council members discussed private‑sector matching and the program's capacity to continue operations with the reduced level.

Staff will report back on program funding and any needed budget adjustments as appeal outcomes and legal costs become clearer.