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Batavia residents could see higher property taxes and utility bills next year under the city’s proposed $173.36 million budget for fiscal year 2027, which was announced Friday, Oct. 30, in a news release.
The budget’s primary focus addressing the city’s aging public infrastructure. The city says much of Batavia's infrastructure was built during the 1980s and 1990s, which has resulted in roads, water mains, sewers, and electric facilities approaching the end of their useful lives at roughly the same time.
“The central theme of this budget is stewardship of what we already own: keeping our infrastructure safe and reliable, staffing our departments to complete the work we budget for, and planning far enough ahead that future repairs are funded before they become emergencies,” City Administrator Laura Newman wrote in her budget transmittal letter.
According to the release, the proposal reflects the city’s progress in addressing a budget shortfall identified in 2025. Phased property tax increases, revenue from new developments, and operational improvements are helping to narrow that gap.
Here’s what to know:
Addressing aging infrastructure: A 2026 pavement assessment found that maintaining Batavia's streets in their current condition will require an additional $1.625 million annually. The proposed budget would pay for these maintenance needs using reserve funds.
Property tax rates: The city’s tax rate would rise from $0.96 to $0.86 per $100 of a property’s taxable value. For a $400,000 home, that ends up being about $10 more per month, or $120 a year. The city’s portion makes up roughly 12% of a typical property tax bill.
Utility rates: The proposal includes a 3.5% increase to electric rates and 8% increases to water and sewer rates — effective Jan. 1, 2027. The city says these adjustments reflect rising construction and equipment costs, regulatory requirements, and maintenance that was put off in previous years.
Public safety and city services: The budget sets aside revenue from the home rule sales tax increase to help pay for a new police department. It also supports making the police department’s evidence custodian a full-time job and adding a civil engineer and maintenance worker.
“While the City has made important progress in strengthening its finances, we recognize that significant infrastructure needs remain,” Newman said. “Our responsibility is to address those needs thoughtfully, maintain reliable services and make decisions today that help protect Batavia's financial future.”
The City Council will review the proposed budget at a Committee of the Whole meeting following the City Council meeting Monday, Nov. 2. A public hearing is scheduled for 7PM on Tuesday, Nov. 10, with final budget and property tax levy adoption anticipated Monday, Dec. 7.
Residents can review the proposed budget, financial details, and capital improvement plans at bataviail.gov/FY27, where an online form is available for questions and comments.
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