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Horicon committee approves 2026 preliminary budget for publication, sets levy at $2,691,462
Summary
The Committee of Whole approved the 2026 preliminary budget for publication Oct. 30, setting a General Fund levy of $2,691,462. Finance Director Chrissy Wild outlined levy and expenditure changes while department heads reviewed key line items, including contingency uses and capital projects.
The City of Horicon Committee of Whole voted Oct. 30 to approve the 2026 preliminary budget for publication, setting a General Fund levy of $2,691,462.
Chrissy Wild, Director of Finance, presented the levy and budget summary, saying the proposed 2026 levy is the maximum permitted under current levy requirements. Wild detailed the levy breakdown: the General Fund levy is proposed at $2,139,130 (up from $2,115,148 in 2025) and the debt service levy at $552,332 (up from $450,250), producing total levies of $2,691,462 for 2026. She also presented proposed 2026 expenditures of $5,187,483 and a projected General Fund deficiency of $623,691 based on estimated receipts of $4,563,792.
Mayor Maas provided comparative context for the levy, noting how Horicon’s limit compares with nearby municipalities. Scott of Baker Tilly reviewed the 2026 Budget Cash Flows and supplied supplemental materials including fund descriptions and a schedule of outstanding debt used to assess cash balances through 2026.
Department reviews identified several items the committee flagged for follow-up or contingency planning. Director of Public Works and Water Cody Vanderhei said a vendor quote for listed capital work came in below the estimate; the lower cost would allow the council to include the River Bend Boat Pier in the 2026 plan and place any remaining funds into contingency for emergencies. City Clerk Chris Spilker-Jenkins explained a $16,529 increase in election software to purchase Badger Books for 2026. Police Chief Aaron Berken identified a $14,845 increase for continued use/expansion of Flock cameras in the department’s budget. Fire Chief Mark Tesch said he will review 2026 fee schedules and considers raising rates to align with neighboring communities.
Werner Biedermann, Director of Emergency Management, told the committee Horicon received $14,639 in disaster assistance in 2025. Judge Pat Buhlman reviewed the Municipal Court budget. Library Director Alex Harvancik and representatives Dennis Dehn and Curtis Rex (Oak Hill Cemetery) also presented their respective budgets.
Mayor Maas told the committee the city does not plan to borrow in 2026 and that any excess funds tied to finalized quotes will be placed in a contingency fund available to departments for emergency use.
Ald. Bandsma moved to approve the 2026 Preliminary Budget for publication as presented, Ald. Remy seconded, and the motion passed with all voting AYE. Mayor Maas announced a public hearing on the 2026 Budget for Nov. 25, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. during the regular November Council meeting. The committee adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
