Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wheaton outlines $160.8 million 2026 draft budget, proposes rate and levy increases to fund bond and reserves
Summary
City staff presented a 2026 Draft Budget with $160.8 million in estimated revenues and $153.1 million in expenditures, proposing a 3% property tax levy increase, a 0.25% local sales tax increase, a $0.05/therm gas tax increase and a 5.1% water rate increase to fund debt service and maintain reserves.
Director of Finance Robert Lehnhardt told the City Council the proposed 2026 Draft Budget estimates "revenues are estimated at $160.8 million and expenditures at $153.1 million." The presentation outlined staffing at 270 full‑time personnel, a net reduction of three full‑time positions and four added part‑time or seasonal positions, and projected rising pension and health costs.
Lehnhardt said the City intends to cover debt service tied to a planned 2026 General Obligation bond by raising the property tax levy 3%, increasing the local sales tax by 0.25%, and raising the natural gas use utility tax by $0.05 per therm. He also reported a 5.1% water rate increase, expected to generate about $800,000 in additional revenue, and confirmed there will be no increase to parking rates, sanitary sewer rates, or the stormwater utility fee. The measures are intended to maintain the General Fund's 40% reserve target.
Nut graf: The proposal balances operating needs and capital investments through a mix of rate adjustments and a planned G.O. bond; the Council will consider these targets as staff proceeds to finalize bond plans and the budget calendar.
Lehnhardt identified key capital plans funded in part by the bond: approximately $45 million in capital improvements overall, including $22 million for facility improvements, $5.6 million for road improvements, $4.9 million for sanitary sewer improvements, $2.8 million for water improvements and $2.3 million for sidewalks. He estimated debt service for the bond will require $1.0–$1.9 million in annual revenue.
City staff and council members asked questions about the flexibility of certain allocations, debt service impacts on future years and the timing of rate adjustments, and staff committed to providing additional detail at subsequent meetings.
The budget workshop did not include a formal vote; the Council will review the Draft Budget during the budget calendar and hold additional public hearings as required.
