WELLINGTON | TODAY
BY JIM BARNES, WELLINGTON VILLAGE MANAGER
PLANNING FOR TOMORROW, INVESTING IN TODAY
This year’s budget for the Village of Wellington was developed much the same way that the village has approached every budget, with a focus on responsible stewardship, long-term planning and fiscal discipline. Those principles have guided Wellington for decades. Each summer, one of the village’s most attending meetings, watching online, important responsibilities takes center stage as your Wellington Village Council begins reviewing Wellington’s proposed budget for the coming fiscal year. While budgets are often viewed as spreadsheets and numbers, they are really about people. They represent our community’s priorities and reflect the investments we make every day in the quality of life that makes Wellington such a special place to call home. At the June 30 council meeting, village team members presented the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 to the council, beginning a transparent public process that will continue through budget workshops and public hearings before the final budget is adopted. We want to sincerely thank the many residents who have already participated in this process. Whether
submitting comments or simply taking the time to learn more about the village’s finances, your engagement helps make Wellington a stronger community. Thoughtful public participation has always been one of Wellington’s greatest strengths, and it is an important part of good local government. This year’s budget was developed much the same way we have approached every budget, with a focus on responsible stewardship, long-term planning and fiscal discipline. Those principles have guided Wellington for decades. Rather than chasing shortterm solutions, the village has consistently invested in maintaining our infrastructure, protecting financial reserves, planning years in advance for major capital improvements and carefully managing taxpayer dollars. That WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE | August 2026 35