For Immediate Release
Mayor Arata-Fratta Presents 2026 Proposed Budget for the City of Fitchburg
Fitchburg, WI — September 22, 2025
Mayor Julia Arata-Fratta has released her proposed 2026 City Budget, a plan that balances Fitchburg’s rapid growth with fiscal responsibility while protecting essential services and investing in the community’s future.
“Despite financial challenges, this budget reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality services while operating within state-imposed levy limits,” said Mayor Arata-Fratta. “It is a forward-thinking plan that protects services, strengthens operations, and meets the needs of taxpayers.”
Budget Priorities: The proposed 2026 budget focuses on four key priorities:
• Public Safety: Adds the operational funding for the new Police Facility, expanded ambulance coverage, and continued investment in Fitchburg’s firefighters and EMS services.
• Quality of Life: Enhancements to bus service and paratransit, expanded affordable and workforce housing initiatives, and continued investment in Fitchburg’s Healthy Neighborhood Initiative.
• Supporting Employees: Retaining and supporting city staff with competitive wages and benefits, including expanded paid parental leave.
• Value for Taxpayers by Ensuring Our City’s Share of Property Taxes Delivers Strong Value for Our Residents: Keeping Fitchburg’s share of property taxes at a great value while maintaining a strong financial foundation. The proposed total property tax levy increase is 2.46%.
The budget also reflects the importance of the newly enacted vehicle registration fee, which provides critical revenue to maintain staffing and services. Without it, these investments in our community would not have been possible, and services may have had to be cut.
Looking Ahead “I look forward to working with the Common Council and our residents as we finalize this budget,” Mayor Arata-Fratta said. “Together, we will ensure that Fitchburg remains a strong, safe, and thriving community for everyone who calls it home.” There will be a public hearing on October 14th at 6:30 pm, and the Common Council will act on the budget on November 11th.
For more information, you can read about the Mayor’s priorities and her proposed budget here: http://www.fitchburgwi.gov/1998/Financial-Records-Reports
Contact:
Office of the Mayor
julia.arata-fratta@fitchburgwi.gov