BAXTER — During a workshop session, Baxter City Council members, department heads and staff met to look at the 2026 budget and possible tax levy.

The session on Tuesday, Sept. 2, included an initial draft budget of $10,042,100, representing an increase of $741,500 or 8% from 2025. The council looked at proposed staff additions, budget drivers by department, and discussed drawing from reserves to reduce the impact on the tax levy. Council member Zach Tabatt said he was looking to be more in the 5% range and Council member Connie Lyscio said she was willing to start at 6% and hope to reduce that going forward. Council member Mark Cross said even if they said 4.5%, it was still an increase.

Tabatt said looking at the city there has been good growth in business and housing but they haven’t a

See Full Page