Germantown adopts 2026 budget and 2025 tax levy after debate over borrowing and police station costs
November 18, 2025 | Germantown, Washington County, Wisconsin
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The Germantown Village Board adopted the 2026 budget and the accompanying 2025 property tax levy on Nov. 17 following public comment and trustee debate.
Finance Director Yousal Domingo presented the budget process and highlights: a projected 3.5% increase in general‑fund revenues driven primarily by property taxes and public charges; property taxes estimated to provide 57% of general‑fund revenues; net new construction allowance of 2.14% for 2026; and a median‑home tax impact estimated at about $97 for 2026 under the combined taxing jurisdictions.
Public commenters urged caution on borrowing and transparency. Melanie Smythe criticized placing salaries, benefits and other operating costs in tax increment districts (TIDs) and warned of rising long‑term capital costs. Scott Heffley urged trustees to press for more operational control and warned that pushing costs into borrowing is unsustainable.
Board debate focused on major capital projects scheduled for borrowing, including a $6.5 million allocation for Fire Station No. 2 renovation and a $3.0 million design placeholder for a new police facility. Trustee Jen Miller proposed reducing the police‑station design appropriation from $3.0 million to $1.5 million; that motion failed. Trustees discussed sequencing for Division Road construction and potential savings from revised ditch work.
Outcome: The board approved the resolution adopting the 2026 budget and the companion resolution levying property taxes. The meeting recorded a roll call in which multiple trustees voted aye or nay; the mayoral/presiding officer announced the motion carried.
What’s next: The budget adoption authorizes department spending within the approved amounts and establishes the tax levy for county processing. Borrowing for large capital projects will be scheduled in spring; staff and committees will return with contract/RFP recommendations as projects move from planning to execution.
Finance Director Yousal Domingo presented the budget process and highlights: a projected 3.5% increase in general‑fund revenues driven primarily by property taxes and public charges; property taxes estimated to provide 57% of general‑fund revenues; net new construction allowance of 2.14% for 2026; and a median‑home tax impact estimated at about $97 for 2026 under the combined taxing jurisdictions.
Public commenters urged caution on borrowing and transparency. Melanie Smythe criticized placing salaries, benefits and other operating costs in tax increment districts (TIDs) and warned of rising long‑term capital costs. Scott Heffley urged trustees to press for more operational control and warned that pushing costs into borrowing is unsustainable.
Board debate focused on major capital projects scheduled for borrowing, including a $6.5 million allocation for Fire Station No. 2 renovation and a $3.0 million design placeholder for a new police facility. Trustee Jen Miller proposed reducing the police‑station design appropriation from $3.0 million to $1.5 million; that motion failed. Trustees discussed sequencing for Division Road construction and potential savings from revised ditch work.
Outcome: The board approved the resolution adopting the 2026 budget and the companion resolution levying property taxes. The meeting recorded a roll call in which multiple trustees voted aye or nay; the mayoral/presiding officer announced the motion carried.
What’s next: The budget adoption authorizes department spending within the approved amounts and establishes the tax levy for county processing. Borrowing for large capital projects will be scheduled in spring; staff and committees will return with contract/RFP recommendations as projects move from planning to execution.
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