2026 Operating Budget Briefing Book

How we fund daily services — from public safety and streets to library, parks, and administration. Includes departments, revenues, expenditures, and the “cost to continue” scenario.   Click here to view.

2026 Capital Briefing Book

Planned investments for 2026 — streets, utilities, facilities, fleet, and more. Outlines an estimated ~$4.4 million borrowing plan and how projects align to Council priorities. 
Click here to view.

Note from the Mayor

Dear Members of the Finance and Personnel Committee,

Thank you for your dedication to the significant task of crafting an Annual Budget recommendation for the Common Council to consider. I view this Executive Budget scenario as a “Cost to Continue Services” type of budget, where our focus is on continuing to provide high-quality services to our diverse population, with the understanding that many of the new or innovative ideas and programs for a growing community will need to wait until financial conditions improve. I believe that with the closure of TID 3 the City will have additional capacity in 2027 to address additional community needs.

This Executive Budget is meant as a tool to assist the Finance and Personnel Committee in their deliberations, and I fully expect that the Committee will have their own thoughts on which priorities to fund and those that may have to wait. One of my priorities for this 2026 budget is funding continued efforts for school zone pedestrian and bike safety.

The 2026 fiscal year remains challenging as limited levy limit adjustments create obstacles to meeting many identified needs. As with last year, we’ll need to make strategic choices on what we fund in FY 2026 and what we hold for future years.

This scenario balances the General Fund and establishes 2026 capital borrowing at approximately $4.4 million. It funds as many of the Council’s six strategic priorities as possible while maintaining daily operations.

I look forward to a robust discussion on our priorities for the coming year and stand ready with our Administration and Finance staff to answer any questions you may have about this budget.