The City of West Bend Common Council on Nov. 10 approved the 2026 operating budget, adopting Resolution 43 to appropriate funds for city operations and capital projects.

City Administrator Jesse summarized the budget and told the council the plan centers on a $28,300,000 total tax levy, roughly allocated as 70% to the general fund, 13% to debt service, 5% to the library and the remainder captured in tax incremental districts. "We are looking to appropriate $28,300,000 in total tax levy," Jesse said, and staff presented a proposed city tax rate of about $6.46 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Jesse said the city's portion of property-tax bills for an average single-family home would be about $1,940 under the current calculations. He listed core services funded by the levy, including police, fire, EMS dispatch, library services, snow plowing, refuse collection and maintenance of more than 1,400 acres of parkland.

The budget also funds ongoing capital commitments: roughly $3 million for road improvements and continued work on the new Fire Station No. 1. The packet includes personnel additions for parks and recreation/forestry and public works, and the creation of a full-time airport superintendent position.

Aldermen voiced broad support for staff and the budget process; no substantive amendments were proposed. The council approved placing the resolution on the floor and adopted it by voice vote.

The budget package approved on Nov. 10 now moves to administrative steps for implementation and will be reflected in the city's 2026 levy and tax notices once state valuations and other taxing authority levies are finalized.