Council Approves the 2026 Budget Timelines

Council Decisions Regarding the 2026 Budget Timeline

Council receives the report for information about the 2026 budget schedule and process.
Council agrees to shorten key decision timelines, if the proposed budget is published on November 13, 2025:
- The time for Council to make changes to the budget is reduced from 30 days to 20 days.
- The time for the Mayor to veto changes is reduced from 10 days to 1 day.
- The time for Council to overturn a veto is reduced from 15 days to 12 days.
These changes will help the Town keep its usual timeline and allow the budget to be finalized at the December 17, 2025 Council meeting.

June 18, 2025 – Finance Committee approves the draft budget survey.
Mid-July to Mid-August 2025 – Public can complete the budget survey online.
September 3, 2025 – Finance Committee holds a meeting to:
- Review capital budget ideas.
- Hear from the public.
- Review budget survey results.
September 2025 (Date TBD) – Mayor hosts a town hall to gather more public input.
October 1, 2025 – Finance Committee reviews the draft operating budget and holds a public hearing.
November 5, 2025 – Final Finance Committee meeting.
November 13, 2025 – Mayor officially presents the proposed 2026 budget.
November 14 – December 3, 2025 – Council has 20 days to propose changes to the budget.
December 4, 2025 – Mayor has 1 day to veto any of Council’s changes.
December 5 – December 17, 2025 – Council has 12 days to vote on overriding any mayoral vetoes (requires a 2/3 majority).
December 17, 2025 – Budget is expected to be finalized and adopted.