PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Oshkosh homeowners are likely to see a lower property tax bill in 2026.
“We understand the economic situation that people are in,” said Oshkosh City Manager Rebecca Grill. “This is not our money. This is the taxpayer money. So the more we can do to use it wisely, I think that’s important.”
The city will receive the same $47 million in taxes in next year’s budget despite an increase in property value and new construction.
It means the average homeowner will see a slight decrease in their tax rate — down by $91 for the average Oshkosh home, valued at $225,000.
The city saved money by not filling vacant positions and a few areas of increased revenue at the state level. One of its primary spending areas is infrastructure, but you might not see most of the work.
“Most of it is underground,” said Grill. “You can see the roads, but you don’t see the water and sewer and things like that.”
Among the changes is a switch the city calls necessary: one from chlorine to UV water filters.
“This is the cost of providing clean, safe drinking water,” said Mayor Matt Mugerauer. “This is the case to be able to flush your toilet and know it’s going to go somewhere and get treated properly.”
Added Grill: “Those are things that we can’t avoid doing, and so that is tens of millions of dollars, and so we just need to be smart about how we’re fitting that in with the other things, with the street projects.”
The age is what makes infrastructure such a big investment.
“It’s an older city so we’re replacing things that are over 100 years old,” said Grill.
Residents can share thoughts at the city’s public input session on Nov. 4 at 5 p.m. or contact the city manager’s office. From there, city council will vote on the budget on Nov. 11.
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