Nov 27, 2025, 7:17 PM CST
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RICHLAND CENTER, Wis. (WRCO / WRCE) – City Administrator, Ashley Oliphant, presented the proposed 2026 city budget. It shows revenues increasing by 7.1% or $724,656 from $10.1 million to $10.9 million. Expenses increase 2.5% or $267,628 from $10.7 million to $11 million. The tax levy will increase by $3,302 from $2,332,552 to $2,335,854.
Wage and benefit changes for 2026 include and increase of 2.75% for city employees, 6% for a represented police officer; an increase of 14% for health insurance; and a WRS average of 1%.
Department changes include the dissolution of the Tourism Department; the closure of the Landfill Transfer Station; and a hiring freeze for the Clerk and Zoning Administrator.
It was noted that many may see a large increase in their property assessment, but it does not mean their taxes will increase as much. Mayor Todd Coppernoll shared that his assessment went up 87% but his tax increase went up less than 15%. Also remember that the taxes collected go to the schools, county and city.
The council approved the budget unanimously.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at [email protected].
Jo Ann Krulatz is Senior Radio Journalist and News Director at WRCO and WRCE in Richland Center. Email her at [email protected].
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