The Farmer City Council has approved its Fiscal Year 2026 budget. 

City Administrator Taylor Baxter explains the budget ensures essential services are covered as the city continues to grow and requires strategic management. The City has recently completed significant infrastructure work in water, wastewater, and street repairs, projects that will continue to require funding as they spill into the next budget cycle.

Baxter notes that the budget planning involves a careful analysis of the City’s financial landscape, balancing top-tier revenue streams against essential expenditures. The City also successfully passed a 1% municipal sales tax, which will help bolster City funds, even as officials navigate various state-controlled and local funding pressures.

City officials are managing a wide variety of ongoing public works projects, including the Route 54 and 'Safe Route to School' sidewalk projects, alongside extensive water and wastewater system improvements at both the plant and throughout local streets. 

Farmer City is focusing on economic development in its TIF districts to remain competitive in a changing regional landscape. Additionally, the Council is moving to assess the structural safety of City Hall, which has shown significant signs of decay, and is currently seeking engineering and architectural input to determine the path forward.

Baxter feels there are several things that are in the process of being ready to get going, and it will soon feel like there will be several things going on all at once.

Additionally, earlier this month, Baxter submitted his letter of resignation from the City of Farmer City. He will be staying on with the City until mid-summer.