The 2026 Two Rivers city budget is stable but challenging.
City Manager Kyle Kordell explains that the $42 million budget will include all necessary resources for the operation of city departments and other investments; however, costs continue to rise, creating budget challenges.
That consists of the escalating costs of chemical and beach maintenance, as well as increased funding for Maritime Metro Transit Route 1.
The city must also add a new Certified Waste Collections Operator to its staff, a new position required by the state. Money is also being set aside for required bridge inspections through the Wisconsin DOT.
Two Rivers’ tax levy will also go up 3.8% for a total levy of about $5.7 million.
That’s due to no increase in this year’s budget. Kordell is also proposing several capital projects, including saving $255,000 to fund upgrades to the Neshotah Beach Concessions stand.
Other projects include replacing an old fire truck, installing new camera systems for the police department, and resurfacing 18th and 19th Streets from Jackson to Emmet.
No changes are proposed for city electric, water, storm water, or solid waste.
In the future, Kordell states he wants to focus on breaking ground on more affordable housing, preparing for the revitalization of Riverside Park, and eliminating outdated TIF districts.
The Two Rivers City Council did not approve the budget, but could during their regular meeting on December 1st.
