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City has tough financial decisions to make

by | Aug 6, 2026 | Latest, News

Princeton officials are weighing a tight fiscal year 2026-27 budget as rapid population growth, increasing service demands and years of property tax rate reductions put pressure on the city’s ability to keep revenues aligned with expenses.

Police Chief James Waters, who is also serving as interim city manager, opened the city’s July 24 strategic planning and budget retreat by telling the City Council that staff had examined operations throughout the city in an effort to improve efficiency before asking councilmembers to establish priorities for the coming year.

“We had to really emphasize on the efficiency of the city,” Waters said, adding that staff identified areas of concern and looked for ways to reduce expenses while maintaining services. 

Chief Financial Officer Kelly Wilson presented a financial outlook showing the city facing a revenue shortfall even as demand for police, fire, streets, utilities and other services continues to increase.

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