POLITICS

Cities Propose Budgets Amid Public Concern Over Services

PUBLISHED May 19, 2026, 11:03 PM ET

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Phoenix approved a $2.1 billion city budget on Tuesday despite public requests for expanded emergency housing aid; residents had urged a doubling of a $3.15 million crisis relief allocation. On May 19, Wayne County Manager Chip Crumpler presented a roughly $291.2 million FY2026-27 budget recommendation without a tax increase, and earlier this month Pittsfield outlined a $232.8 million proposal. This week Wilmington moved closer to approving a more than $350 million spending plan that would raise the property tax rate by 5.75 cents to 34 cents per $100 and increase starting police salaries from $52,000 to $62,000. Officials across jurisdictions cited rising health insurance, retirement and debt costs; councils scheduled continued deliberations and accepted public comment on funding levels and eligibility.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

May 19, 2026: Wayne County Manager Chip Crumpler presented the recommended FY2026-27 budget totaling approximately $291.2 million with no tax increase.
Earlier this month: Pittsfield officials released the proposed FY2027 operating budget of $232.8 million and identified rising health insurance and retirement costs.
This week Tuesday: Phoenix City Council approved a $2.1 billion budget amid public comment requesting larger crisis relief funding.
This week Tuesday: Wilmington City Council advanced a $350M-plus budget proposal including a 5.75 cent property tax increase and first-responder pay raises.
Following hearings: councils in affected jurisdictions will continue deliberations, consider amendments, and schedule final votes while officials manage fund balances and departmental reductions.

News Intelligence

Your city's budget affects your daily life. It determines funding for services like emergency housing and police salaries. It also impacts your taxes. Stay informed about your local budget proposals. Attend public hearings or submit comments if you can.

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Who Benefited

Municipal departments and funded services — including police, fire departments, schools and city operations — will receive increased appropriations and targeted raises, preserving staffing and capital needs in the short term.

Who Impacted

Low-income residents and renters seeking emergency housing assistance suffered from limited growth in crisis relief funds and eligibility restrictions tied to citizenship status, prompting disappointment and public comment.

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