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The final 2026 levy approved Monday totals $42.17 million, up about $1.34 million from last year.

Finance Director Dave Godek said a median-valued home in Janesville assessed at $224,900 will see an increase of about $30.62 in city and library property taxes. Combined utility fees — including water, stormwater, and solid waste — will rise by approximately $107.72 over last year.

Godek said the biggest shift comes from the water utility, which is awaiting final approval from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission for a 34 percent water rate increase. A typical residential customer would see their quarterly water bill rise by about $24, while wastewater rates will remain unchanged. PSC approval is not expected until at least March.

In addition to city and utility costs, homeowners’ property tax bills also reflect the portion levied by their school district. For a median-assessed home valued at $224,900, the total property tax bill will increase by $218.17 for homeowners in the Janesville School District and by $56.56 for those in the Milton School District.

Godek said this increase is driven by the higher mill rate, a decrease in the state school tax credit of 0.0466, and an $8.63 reduction in the lottery credit.

In the Janesville School District, the overall mill rate is increasing by 0.7944 mills, most of which is attributable to the school district’s portion rising by 0.6793 mills.

The final mill rates adopted Monday are $18.11 per $1,000 for Janesville School District properties and $16.77 per $1,000 for Milton School District properties.

Council Vice President Larry Squire thanked staff for navigating a challenging budget year.

“My only comment, when we had the budget hearing, was to thank all the department heads for their hard work,” Squire said. “In a tough budget year, sincere thanks for all the effort.”