Fond du Lac’s proposed 2027 city budget approved

The City of Fond du Lac’s proposed 2027 budget that includes continued investment in public safety, infrastructure and residential development has been approved.

The budget calls for approximately $42.8 million in General Fund revenues and expenditures, an increase of about 3.1% from this year.

The city’s total property tax levy would increase 5.3%, from about $35.1 million dollars to nearly $37 million dollars. However, the city says an increase in overall property values means the equalized property tax rate would actually decrease by about half a percent.

Public safety remains the largest spending area, accounting for approximately 54% of the General Fund and Special Revenue Fund expenditures.

Some other highlights include continued investment in housing development, street and infrastructure improvements, and planning for a fourth fire station on the city’s north side.

The city has allocated $9 million dollars for construction of that additional fire station in 2028, with construction expected to begin in early 2028 following design work next year.

The five-year capital improvement plan also identifies several major projects for 2027, including a $7 million wastewater administration building expansion, $4.5 million for private lead service line replacement, and $3 million for upgrades to the city’s water meter reading system.

City officials say the budget is designed to maintain existing services while dealing with rising labor, supply and operating costs.

See the entire proposed budget here,