Oswego officials said Tuesday that a proposed increase in downtown development funding should be treated as a one-time response to current business interest and available surplus funds, not a guaranteed annual spending level.
The discussion came as the Oswego Village Board considered how to use part of a $5.2 million surplus from the 2025 general fund. Staff recommended adding $255,000 to the downtown development program because the program’s entire 2026 budget of $120,000 has already been applied for or allocated to businesses.
Finance Director Andrea Lamberg said the additional money would help fund existing inquiries into the program and leave room for two more future requests in 2026. With more than half the year remaining, she said additional requests could come in beyond those already identified…