Geneva City Council held a special meeting Monday to begin early discussions on the city’s 2026 budget, focusing on financial planning, municipal revenue streams, and potential adjustments to water and sewer fees.
City officials emphasized that while they are still in the first quarter of 2025, council members requested an early start to the budget process. The meeting outlined how the city develops its budget, the key financial factors involved, and the timeline for upcoming budget workshops.
Discussions centered on Geneva’s three primary budget funds—the general fund, the water fund, and the sewer fund. Officials detailed how revenues are generated, including property taxes, sales taxes, franchise fees, fines, and grants. They also highlighted the challenges of managing infrastructure costs while keeping tax rates stable.
Increasing water revenue was another topic of discussion. Council debated ways to increase revenue for the water and sewer systems, including potential adjustments to billing structures. Some suggested exploring alternative funding models used by neighboring towns, while others emphasized the need for a comprehensive rate study before making changes.
City officials confirmed that a rate study is already underway, with preliminary findings expected by July.
The meeting also covered long-term infrastructure planning, capital project funding, and Geneva’s debt obligations. Council members acknowledged that while new housing projects could eventually bring in more revenue, major financial benefits would take years to materialize.
Budget workshops will continue in the coming months, with department heads scheduled to present their financial outlooks in April. The final city budget must be adopted before November 1.
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