No tax increase in Washington budget
Washington council is prepared to adopt a final budget that will keep taxes steady for city residents.
A motion to approve the 2026 spending plan is on the agenda when council meets Thursday.
Council will be voting on a $15.3 million budget that keeps millage at 5.53 mills for buildings. The rate for land is 38.71 mills.
“We have a balanced budget with no tax increase,” said Councilman Ken Westcott, who chairs the finance department. “We have a modest carryover. Nothing has changed (from the preliminary budget).”
Other motions expected to be on Thursday’s agenda include:
Approving the fire department purchase of one additional cargo container for its training facility at a cost not to exceed $3,000.
Promoting firefighter Alex Gates to the rank of engineer and amending his salary accordingly.
Posting for the creation of a new police sergeant’s eligibility.
Also expected to be on the agenda is approval of the following 2026 Community Development Block Grant funding and projects: home rehabilitation, $100,000; demolition, $100,000; Washington Park Pool upper parking lot paving, $72,525, and street paving, $255,000.
The street paving project, if approved, would break down as follows: Shannon Street to Ridge Avenue to Pine Street, $85,000; Hallam Avenue to Ridge Avenue, $85,000, and Elm Street to Ridge Avenue to Pine Street.