Elgin council adopts 2026 budget, tax levy after split vote; one councilor dissents The Elgin City Council adopted the 2026 budget and approved the tax levy on Dec. 17, 2025, with an 8-1 vote; Councilor Alfaro voted against raising property taxes and said she would oppose the related three-year financial plan and budget for transparency reasons.

Elgin City Council's recent vote on the 2026 budget and controversial tax levy sparked debate, with one councilor standing alone against the proposed increase.

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Elgin proposes $65.6M property tax levy for 2026 as officials weigh $4.2M budget gap City staff told the Committee of the Whole on Nov. 12 that the proposed 2026 budget would increase the general fund levy and raise the city’s 2026 receipts to $65.6 million (a $7.7 million or 13.2% increase), intended to help close an estimated $4.2 million shortfall while preserving core services.

Elgin proposes a hefty $65.6 million property tax levy for 2026 to tackle a $4.2 million budget shortfall while striving to maintain essential public services.

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City Council Approves 8.64% Property Tax Increase Amid Budget Shortfall Council passes tax rate hike to address $1.3 million budget deficit.

Elgin City Council just approved an 8.64% property tax increase to tackle a $1.3 million budget shortfall, sparking heated debates about the future of vital community services.

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City Council debates budget submission deadline changes and transparency measures Council discusses shifting budget submission deadline from 45 to 60 days for transparency.

Elgin's City Council is grappling with a controversial proposal that could reshape budget submission timelines and transparency—what's at stake?

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