Oshkosh Common Council Workshop: 2027 Budget - 10/14/26

The City of Oshkosh Common Council held a 2027 budget workshop on October 14, 2026, covering cultural enrichment, parks, the library, police, human resources, risk management, and information technology. Capital planning included proposed 2027 work on the Reeds softball complex concession/restroom building and field lighting, a Pollock Community Water Park heater, and planning or design for park amenities, trails, a zoo entrance/education-event center, and a small-mammal exhibit. The city also discussed reviewing park facility and athletic-field rental fees and sponsorship procedures. Parks reported about $48,000 in program sponsorships and a new $10,000 annual commitment for the Leach Amphitheater. No budget awards or workshop votes were reported; several projects remain subject to planning, funding, and Council approval.

Other notable budget items included the Police Department’s 10-year Axon contract, with a $243,000 increase in years two through five, and a $19,000 evidence-control software upgrade. IT proposed a $66,000 software increase associated largely with the ERP system’s move to a SaaS platform and a one-time $14,900 ERP cloud-transition cost. The library described a proposed 4.3% budget reduction from its $4.316 million adopted budget, including a roughly $247,000 reduction to specialty supplies and collections. The museum reported completed elevator modernization, parking-lot reconstruction, and historic-building restoration, while its mansion needs assessment is expected to inform future decisions. Separately, health-insurance renewals had been approved the prior night; they were not voted on at this workshop.