FY27 Budget
Montpelier's budget development process is an opportunity to collaboratively shape the future of our community while addressing both immediate needs and long-term priorities. As we work through the FY27 budget, we are committed to maintaining transparency and fostering meaningful engagement with residents to ensure the final plan reflects our shared values. The City's focus remains on delivering exceptional services, strengthening critical infrastructure, and addressing emerging challenges with thoughtful, responsible planning. In navigating rising costs and evolving community needs, the FY27 budget process emphasizes the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with innovation and inclusivity. Through active participation, community members will play a key role in shaping the allocations that impact daily life, from public safety and infrastructure to recreation and economic development. By working together, we can ensure Montpelier continues to thrive as a safe, resilient, and welcoming place for all residents.
Opportunities to Engage
Your Voice Matters: Shape Montpelier's FY27 Budget Priorities
Share your perspectives, priorities, and ideas to influence Montpelier’s budget decisions. Help ensure resources are allocated to support our community’s shared values and long-term well-being.
Question & Answer Board
Curious about how Montpelier is shaping its FY27 Budget? Dive into the conversation by asking your questions and exploring answers from city officials to see how community priorities are being addressed—we’d love to hear from you!
Project Phases
Budget Formation and Collaborative Review
Budget Presentation and Council Deliberations
Public Hearings and Finalization
Project Updates
Budget Breakdown: Finance Department
Get to know the Finance Department in today's Budget Breakdown
Budget Breakdown: City Council & Clerk
Get to know the City Council & Clerk's Office in today's Budget Breakdown
Get to Know Your City Departments - Budget Breakdowns
Understand the FY27 proposed budget - one department at a time.
City Manager's Proposed Budget
The Acting City Manager Presented the Proposed City Budget for FY27
Important Dates
City Manager Budget Presentation
The City publishes the FY27 Budget Book.
City Council Budget Workshop
Council holds workshops to discuss options and trade-offs as well as gather public input and feedback to help inform decision making.
City Council Budget Workshop
Council holds workshops to discuss options and trade-offs as well as gather public input and feedback to help inform decision making.
City Council First Public Hearing on Budget and Bonds
Vermont law requires municipalities to hold a public hearing before adopting a budget or placing bond articles on the ballot. During this hearing, the City Council reviews the proposed FY27 budget and any capital bond proposals, explains the purpose and financial impact of the items, and invites public comment. Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and share their perspectives. Feedback from this hearing helps guide final Council decisions before Town Meeting Day.
City Council Second Public Hearing on Budget and Bonds, then Adopts Final Budget Proposal
Vermont law requires municipalities to hold a public hearing before adopting a budget or placing bond articles on the ballot. During this hearing, the City Council reviews the proposed FY27 budget and any capital bond proposals, explains the purpose and financial impact of the items, and invites public comment. Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and share their perspectives. Feedback from this hearing helps guide final Council decisions before Town Meeting Day.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the City Council votes on the final budget that will appear on the Town Meeting Day ballot.
Town Meeting Day
Montpelier voters cast their ballots to adopt or reject the proposed City budget.
FY27 Budget Implementation Begins
With the adoption of the FY27 budget, City departments begin executing the approved spending plan, delivering services, and advancing projects in alignment with strategic priorities. This phase marks the start of the fiscal year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) and includes monitoring expenditures, tracking revenue, and reporting progress to the City Council and the community.