Message from the Supervisor - 2026 Adopted Budget
- Town of Wheatland
- 5 days ago
- 1 min read
Last week we adopted the 2026 Town Budget.
The Budget increased approximately 4% from the prior year. This is mainly driven by increased materials and labor costs. Additionally, there was a need to upgrade portions of the Town Office infrastructure.
This is offset by an increase in Revenue and the commitment of additional dollars from the Unappropriated Fund Balances.
In the adopted 2026 Budget, the Town-wide tax rate has decreased approximately 10%. This will be the third consecutive year that the budget has produced a Town-wide tax rate reduction. This decrease coupled with the previous 2 years’ reductions, represent an approximate 27% decrease in your town tax rate since 2023.
The 2026 adopted Town Budget maintains the same level of services you are accustomed to, as well as reducing your Town-wide tax rate, making the Town of Wheatland a more affordable place to live.
At the same time, the town maintains a strong fiscal position heading into 2026.
Fiscal state of the Town:
Strong Fund Account Balances: The projected End of Year Fund (EOY) fund balances are strong relative to historical levels.
2025 Budget Performance: The town is projected to leave 2025 with a budget surplus. We anticipate spending less, while also taking in more revenue than planned.
Strong Reserve Balances: The town maintains healthy Reserve Balances. These can be used in times of emergency, to help manage cash flow, or to smooth out fluctuations in revenues.
The 2026 Adopted Budget and the 2026 Budget presentation are posted on the Town Website for review.
Thank you and enjoy the Holidays.
Jim Kirch, Town Supervisor
