Rockford’s Finance and Personnel Committee has approved the city’s 2026 budget, maintaining property tax levels and lowering the general fund by $2 million from last year.
Despite a state-mandated $5 million increase in public safety pension payments over last year – bringing the city’s total pension payment to $40.5 million for this year – the overall budget is lower due to continued efforts to control costs and operate more efficiently, city officials said.
The budget will go to the City Council next week and include several initiatives and investments aimed at maintaining services and supporting community priorities…