The City of Essex Junction is preparing for its Annual Meeting and working on the Fiscal Year (FY) 26 General Fund budget. In an effort to engage residents, the City Council encourages community members to participate actively in the budget process leading up to the final budget approval on February 26, 2025.
The budget preparation cycle began in September when the Finance Department and City Manager collaborated with Department Heads to develop their budgets. This work culminated on December 3, 2024, during the City Council’s annual Budget Day, where the proposed FY26 General Fund and Enterprise Fund budgets were presented. Residents can access the meeting packet and recording here: www.essexjunction.org/meeting/city-council-budget-workshop-12-03-2024.
The City Council has scheduled several events to encourage discussion and gather residents’ feedback on the proposed FY 26 General Fund budget. Throughout January and February, residents will have opportunities to participate in Coffee Chats, Saturdays in the Park, and events at Brownell Library. The dates and times for these gatherings are below or on the City’s dedicated budget engagement webpage.
January 14: Coffee Chat at Nest Coffee and Bakery at 7:30 AM
January 18: Brownell Library Event: Book and Media Donations Day at 10 AM
January 25: Community Meal and Budget Discussion at Champlain Valley Expo Blue Ribbon Pavilion at 11:30 AM
January 28: Coffee Chat Virtual at 6 PM
February 4: Coffee Chat at Boxcar Bakery at 9 AM
February 8: Saturday in the Park at Maple Street Park from 10-11 AM
February 22: Brownell Library Event: Read and Play Time at 10 AM
To stay informed about the proposed FY 26 General Fund budget, see the full engagement calendar, and ask questions about the budget, residents are encouraged to visit the City’s Annual Meeting & Budget Overview webpage.