Oshkosh Common Council Workshop: 2027 Operating Budget - 10/15/26

The City of Oshkosh Common Council’s 2027 Operating Budget workshop on October 15, 2026, reviewed Public Works, Transit, and Central Garage operations. Staff reported that two clean-diesel transit buses had been ordered for delivery late next year and that the transit center’s second phase was largely complete, with remaining technology and operational work underway. The city has submitted federal grant applications for a new transit administrative/garage facility and bus capital infrastructure, including a 5339 application and a low- or no-emissions grant; additional grant funding may be pursued if another program becomes available. Staff also described plans to solicit and evaluate proposals for paratransit service, with a decision and vendor transition anticipated around the end of the year, and said the selected provider would be required to upgrade its technology. The city expects to procure that technology, with the provider responsible for installation.

Other purchasing and cost-management topics included a proposed pilot with Fond du Lac County for long-line street painting, expected to be cost-neutral compared with hiring a seasonal worker; continued fleet standardization and use of existing inventory to reduce equipment purchases; and pilots of AI-enabled customer service and updated operational software. Staff noted rising road-salt and fuel costs, while Public Works proposed no budget enhancements for 2027. No motions or votes on awards or spending were reported. Council members also requested better information about how capital projects affect utility rates so rate impacts can be considered alongside project approvals.