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Reading Council adopts FY2026–27 budget, approves slight millage decrease; proposed water-rate hike defeated
Summary
Reading’s City Council adopted the 2026–27 budget and approved a small millage reduction to 12.1768 despite public concern about utility rates; a separate proposal to raise water, sewer and refuse rates was defeated unanimously.
Reading — At its June 23 meeting, the Reading City Council adopted the fiscal year 2026–27 budget and approved a slight reduction in the property tax millage while rejecting a proposed increase to water, sewer and refuse rates.
Mayor Penney called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and opened a budget hearing at 6:32 p.m., where residents raised concerns about higher utility rates, employee compensation and deteriorating drainage in parts of town. Several speakers asked the council not to raise utility rates; one suggested limiting pay increases to police staff only.
The council adopted Resolution 2026-09 approving the FY2026–27 activity budget, appropriation of funds and the 2026 property tax millage. The resolution passed on a 4–1 roll call vote (Yeas: Crank, Gary, Matz, Penney; Nay: George). The approved millage rate is 12.1768, down slightly from last year’s 12.2454.
Separately, the council considered Resolution 2026-11, which would have established new Water, Sewer and Refuse rate schedules effective July 1, 2026. That proposal was defeated on a 5–0 vote (no members voted yes). The minutes record residents’ questions during the budget hearing about how utility revenues and account balances are handled; staff shared account figures from the April balance sheet and indicated those materials will be provided to council for the July 9 meeting and approval to file.
The council also adopted Resolution 2026-08 approving FY2025–26 budget amendments (unanimous 5–0). A separate measure, Resolution 2026-10, approving the 2027–2031 Capital Improvements Plan as recommended by the Planning Commission, passed 4–1 (George opposed).
During public comment, Chris Clabaugh asked the council not to increase utility rates or taxes. At second call, Clabaugh confirmed his understanding that the millage and budget had been approved. Chuck Hartshorn reminded the council of its responsibility to represent residents.
The council announced its next regular meeting for Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
