Waukesha Times

The Finance Committee of the Brookfield Common Council is continuing its work on the city budget following the defeat of the April 2025 property tax levy limit referendum. According to the committee, feedback from residents before and after the vote showed that there is interest in more public input and information about the city’s budget.

In May and June 2025, committee members examined possible ways to address expected shortfalls in the 2026 budget and beyond. They provided direction to city departments on actions to take and requested a chance for residents to learn about and comment on the budget during its development.

A special Finance Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, September 18 at 6:30 pm in the Common Council chambers. The meeting will feature a brief update from city staff on current budget projections, an overview of recent committee decisions, and an informal opportunity for public feedback. The agenda for this meeting is available online.

“The Finance Committee of the Brookfield Common Council has been working to identify options for the City budget in the wake of the voters deciding to not support the April 2025 property tax levy limit referendum. Citizen feedback received during the periods both before and after the vote indicated a desire for additional public input and information regarding the City budget.”

“During May and June 2025, the Finance Committee reviewed options to address the projected shortfalls in the 2026 and future budgets. Direction was given to City departments as to steps to take, and the Committee requested that an opportunity be given to the public during the budget development process to learn more about the City’s budget situation and offer input to the Committee and staff.”

“In that regard, there is a special Finance Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 18 at 6:30 pm in the Common Council chambers. That meeting will include a brief update by City staff on the City’s budget status and projections, information regarding the direction and decisions of the Committee, and an opportunity for the public to provide feedback regarding budget related issues in an informal setting. The Committee agenda can be found at this link ()”