Washington City Council has completed their work on the city’s operating budget for 2026 and there is no tax increase. According to Finance Director Ken Westcott, the city’s budget will be $15.3 million. Westcott said that some refinancing of debt was integral in holding the line on taxes. Minimum Municipal Obligations debt was refinanced during 2025. That is debt that was needed to finance pensions for police and firefighters. Had that refinance not happened, the obligation would have been $1.4 million dollars. This year, with the refinance that debt will be $873,000. Firefighter overtime was an issue this year. That is because of military obligations of several firefighters. Westcott says that there are several new hires in the works that will alleviate those overtime costs. One bad news item is that solid waste removal fees will increase in 2026. The new fee will be $320 per year per dwelling. That is a $20 increase over 2025. Council will adopt the budget in December.