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Council hears 2026 budget preview showing 6.79% levy increase under current draft
Summary
Staff previewed the 2026 budget showing a projected 6.79% levy increase driven by a 20% health insurance jump, 4–5% wage increases and a new paid‑family medical leave contribution; capital transfers for police, fire, pool, street and ambulance were discussed.
City staff presented a draft of the 2026 budget and said, under current assumptions, the levy would increase by 6.79%. Staff identified main drivers: a roughly 20% projected rise in health insurance costs, wage increases of 4–5% to meet union contract expectations, and a new paid family medical leave payroll contribution (0.0044% noted in the presentation).
Capital transfers proposed in the draft include modest allocations to police, fire (truck/equipment and turnout gear), pool filter replacements and street equipment. The park capital account remains short after flood repairs pending FEMA reimbursement; staff said they are awaiting about $130,000 from the state. The council did not take final budget votes and left the draft open to further revisions before the preliminary levy action.
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