Ames Town Hall Budget Meeting | November 5, 2026

Ames’s annual town hall budget meeting, held November 5, 2026, kicked off public input for the City’s fiscal year 2027/28 budget, which begins July 1, 2027. City staff described a challenging budget outlook after state property-tax changes capped growth in the general levy at 2% and reduced some replacement-tax revenue. The presentation cited a current citywide levy of about $10.27 per $1,000 of taxable valuation, roughly $333 million in total city budget expenditures, including about $92 million for utilities and $27.3 million for transportation. Staff said maintaining existing service levels—and adding services—will be difficult, and invited suggestions on priorities, possible service reductions, and fees. No contract awards, bids, or spending motions or votes were identified.

The discussion also covered capital planning, including anticipated water-main replacements and lead service line replacement when encountered during city projects, as well as road and traffic improvements. The capital improvement plan workshop was scheduled for January 19, 2027, with council consideration of projects on January 26; operating budget presentations were planned for late January and early February, with final budget adoption expected in April. Residents raised ideas and questions about parks, transit, arts and community services, affordable housing, recycling, and utility fees. These were public comments for consideration, not adopted funding decisions.