Watertown Council Approves 2026 Budget; Total Drops $10 Million as Major Projects Wrap Up
- Steve Jurrens
- Nov 20
- 1 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council unanimously approved the 2026 budget appropriation on Wednesday night, passing a total financial package of $65.4 million.
The new budget represents a significant decrease of approximately $10 million compared to the 2025 fiscal year. According to City Manager Alan Stager, this reduction is primarily due to the completion of significant infrastructure investments…
The approved Ordinance No. 25-22 outlines the financial roadmap for the upcoming year, split into two primary categories:
· Governmental Funds: A total appropriation of $51,577,640, which includes the General Fund, Capital Improvement Fund, and others.
· Enterprise Funds: A total of $13,775,590 allocated for self-supporting city services such as the Sewer, Solid Waste, and Airport funds.
Key allocations in the Governmental Funds include $5.57 million for public safety facilities and improvements, $4.02 million for street system improvements, and $1.75 million for recreational and cultural facility upgrades.
The budget passed without opposition. Mayor Ried Holien praised the collaborative effort…
The motions to approve both the City Budget Appropriation and the Enterprise Funds Budget passed by unanimous roll-call vote.
