Mayor Sarno schedules Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Hearings

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Chief Administrative and Financial Officer (CAFO) Cathy Buono have released the schedule for the Mayor’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget hearings.  City Department Heads will be presenting their FY26 budget requests and will respond to questions from Mayor Sarno and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).  Budget hearings will begin on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 and conclude Friday, March 21, 2025.

Mayor Sarno states, “As always, we are doing our due diligence and will be prepared to deal with ‘the ebb and flow’ of our local, state and national economic landscape. I am very proud of our prudent and sustainable fiscal management policies, along with our award-winning finance team under the leadership of CAFO Cathy Buono.  Throughout all of the challenges we have encountered, including the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation and economic uncertainty, my administration has maintained the highest bond ratings in our City’s history, along with a strong and healthy reserve.  My Administration will continue to provide sound and prudent fiscal leadership for an efficient, effective, strategic and compassionate way to assure that city services continue to be provided for our residents and business community.”

CAFO Cathy Buono stated, “As we kick off our FY26 budget process, our goal is to maintain core services with an eye on fiscal sustainability as we continue to monitor the potential of economic uncertainty. I look forward to working with the Mayor and department heads to craft a thoughtful budget that lives within our means and doesn’t mortgage the future.”

The hearings will take place at City Hall in the Mayor’s Conference Room (Room 205). The hearings are open to the public to attend. If you cannot attend in person, you may join the budget hearings virtually via Zoom using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87321932651

Recordings of the hearings will also be available to watch via Focus Springfield.

Please note that the schedule is subject to change. The hearing schedule is as follows: