News Details

October 13, 2025

City of Oshkosh 2026 Budget Introduced to Common Council Budget decreases the city’s tax rate while maintaining service levels

On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the City Manager and Department Heads will present 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 goal is to offer a budget for council consideration that preserves current service levels and minimizes any increased financial impact for taxpayers,” says Rebecca Grill, Oshkosh City Manager. “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 2026 budget plans for Oshkosh’s strong financial future by allocating funding for key strategic investments and streamlining city operations while lowering the city tax rate. It also reflects the strategic goals set by the Oshkosh Common Council and integrates key priorities:
• Ensures the continuity of high-quality services for Oshkosh’s residents and business owners;
• Creates a Community and Engagement Division focused on strategic alignment, clear proactive communication and readily available resources;
• Makes targeted technology investments to improve the customer experience and streamline operations; and
• Focuses attention on both pressing, immediate needs and opportunities to safeguard
Oshkosh’s financial future.

“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, October 14, 2025 from 4-6 p.m. (agenda link)
• (If needed) Budget Workshop - Wednesday, October 15, 2025 from 5-7 p.m.
• Public Hearing - Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 5 p.m.
• Budget Adoption - Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 6 p.m.

If you have any comments or questions regarding the proposed budget, please contact the City
Manager’s Office at citymgr@oshkoshwi.gov or (920) 236-5002.