Bedford sets public hearing for FY2026–27 budget and establishes proposed tax‑rate ceiling

Finance Director Brady Olson told the council the Sept. 8 public hearing will cover the FY2026–27 budget and the proposed tax rate and emphasized that no adoption occurs tonight; the hearing is for public comment and formal consideration on the scheduled date.

Council then set the maximum proposed tax rate that may be considered on Sept. 8 at 0.566599 per $100 assessed valuation and scheduled the hearing at 6 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers. "This is not making any formal action. We're not committing to anything today," Olson said, explaining that the council is only setting the upper threshold that may be considered at the hearing.

Council members asked staff to make themselves available for residents' budget questions and to provide detailed fund‑by‑fund explanations before the hearing. The motion to set the tax‑rate ceiling and schedule the hearing passed unanimously.