2026 Budget

The 2026 Proposed Budget, prioritizes expenditures that best serve the community and help Oshkosh realize its position as a major Wisconsin city.

• Taxpayer Protections: The proposed 2026 budget recommends a flat levy, resulting in a lower city tax rate of $7.73, down from $8.14 in 2025. This was made possible through strategic investments and strong financial management.
• Communication and Technology Investments: Oshkosh is always looking for opportunities to enhance its service to the community while increasing efficiency. This budget creates a Community and Engagement Division focused on strategic alignment and clear proactive communication. It also includes targeted technology investments to improve the customer experience and streamline operations.
• Responsible Budgeting: In recent years, Oshkosh has balanced the budget with large uses of city savings (fund balance). This budget reduces the use of fund balance and positions Oshkosh for a strong financial future.
• Strategic Investments: This budget is forward-thinking. It contains important, generational investments that will position the community for future growth.

• In person: Tuesday, November 4 at 5 p.m.
  • The City will host a public hearing for residents to learn more about the 2026 budget and provide input to local officials.
  • The session will be held at City Hall, Room 406 (215 Church Ave)
• By email: Provide written comments prior to the public hearing by emailing citymgr@oshkoshwi.gov

• What is the focus of the City of Oshkosh’s 2026 budget?

  The administration crafted the 2026 budget to focus on maintaining first-class services to residents while being financially responsible. It streamlines city operations and allocates funding for key strategic investments for the future.

• Is the City lowering taxes?

  As a result of strategic investments and strong financial management, the proposed city property tax rate is $7.73 per $1,000 of property value — a decrease of $0.41 from last year.

• What does this mean for me?

  If your assessed value is the same as last year, you will see a reduction in the City portion of your property taxes because the tax rate went down. For example, a house assessed at $225,000 would have paid $1,831.40 for the City levy last year, while a house assessed at $225,000 will pay $1,740.23 this year. The good news is that this is the case for most residential taxpayers this year. If your assessed value increased by more than the reduction in the City’s tax rate (4.98%), you will see an increase in this portion of your tax bill.

• What staffing and structural changes are included in the 2026 budget?

  The primary moves suggested will strengthen strategic alignment and proactive communication, help streamline maintenance of the library, and remove outstanding, vacant positions.

• How is the City ensuring responsible budgeting for the future?

  The City of Oshkosh is focused on maximizing the efficient use of current resources and reallocating them to maintain essential services within fiscal constraints. By reducing reliance on reserve funds, this budget positions Oshkosh for a strong financial future, promoting long-term stability and effective financial management.

Oshkosh Common Council Budget Workshops

Watch the Common Council Budget workshops from October 14th and October 15th to learn more about the proposed CIP and Budget.

News Release - October 13, 2025

The Oshkosh City Manager and department heads presented information on the 2026 Proposed Budget to the Common Council. Notably, the 2026 budget recommends a flat tax levy, resulting in a lower city tax rate for Oshkosh taxpayers than the previous year — a proposed rate of $7.73, down from last year’s $8.14.

The full news release was distributed on October 13, 2025, with additional details on the proposed budget.

If you wish to share comments or have questions, please contact the City Manager’s Office: citymgr@oshkoshwi.gov or (920) 236-5002