The Village of Shorewood board voted 7–0 to adopt the 2026 budget and authorize the 2025 general property tax levy at a 2.81% increase, a motion moved by Trustee Arndorffer and seconded by Trustee Warren.

Finance staff told the board the average taxpayer impact would be about $78 on a $340,000 home. "The overall levy difference is $78 for a median $340,000 home," the finance director said during the presentation. The director explained that 32% of the levy funds debt service and that property taxes comprise roughly 62.9% of general fund revenues.

Trustees also approved related budget resolutions by unanimous roll call, including carrying forward allowable prior‑year unused levy capacity and adding delinquent municipal charges to the tax roll.

Utility rates: the board reviewed enterprise funds and staff explained a planned 33% sewer rate increase in the 2026 budget (and a water rate request to the Public Service Commission). The finance director said the PSC will hold a public hearing mid‑December and final PSC approval will determine exact utility charges. "We are currently planning a Public Service Commission public hearing for mid‑December...at that time everything will be finalized," the director said.

Public comment: during the budget public hearing resident Donna Gensmer urged trustees to reconsider recent increases to beekeeping permit fees (initial permit rose from $25 to $100; annual fee from $10 to $50), saying the increase is burdensome for seniors on limited incomes. Staff clarified that fee changes are considered separately at mid‑year as part of the fee schedule and that her comment will be forwarded for that process.

Other budget items discussed included library and senior resource center funding lines (library budgeted at $1,335,000 with 76% tax support) and a proposed organizational study line item of $150,000; trustees debated whether to keep that study funded or defer it.

Next steps: the board adopted the budget as presented; staff will implement the levy and prepare final budget materials. Utility rate changes await PSC action and final audited numbers for levy‑limit details will be provided to trustees before the next meeting.