Oshkosh to hold public hearing on 2026 budget

OSHKOSH, Wis. (WISS) – Oshkosh City Manager Rebecca Grill and department heads will present the proposed 2026 budget to the Common Council this afternoon. The Common Council will begin work on the 2026 proposed budget today, during a budget workshop. 

In a press release, Grill said the budget lowers the city’s portion of property tax rates. The flat tax levy will drop from $8.14 to $7.73.

“The goal is to offer a budget for council consideration that preserves current service levels and minimizes any increased financial impact for taxpayers,” Grill said. “We are pleased to propose a budget to the Common Council that would not only lower the tax rate for the city’s portion of property taxes, but also relies less on our fund balance to finance operations than last year.”

The press release claims the 2026 budget allocates funds for key strategic investments and streamlining city operations. 

“Our residents, taxpayers and business owners are our top priority,” says Grill. “We developed a budget for 2026 that fosters investment in our community and provides efficient, effective services for our residents — all while lowering the city’s property tax rate.”

Next Steps:

• Budget Workshop – Tuesday, Oct. 14 from 4-6 p.m. (agenda link)
• (If needed) Budget Workshop – Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 5-7 p.m.
• Public Hearing – Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 5 p.m.
• Budget Adoption – Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m.

Persons with questions on the proposed budget are invited to contact the City Manager’s office at citymgr@oshkoshwi.gov or (920) 236-5002.