Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Van public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in taxes budget with high priority
FY2026 budget adoption
Van locked in its budget for the year starting October 1, funding police, streets, parks, the library, fire and water services. Where the city's money goes for the next 12 months was decided here.
FY2026 property tax rate
The tax rate stays at 0.7358 per $100 valuation — no overall increase — but 3 cents shifted from debt payments to services. The state-mandated 'tax increase' language reads scarier than the reality, and council members wanted that on the record.
EDC FY2026-2027 budget and grants
The Van EDC is spending $12,500 to help a local restaurant install code-required plumbing infrastructure. The condition keeps the equipment with the property, so future tenants benefit too.
FY 2027 tax rate and budget
Property values are flat and sales tax is up about 7%, but the city faces roughly $13-14 million in future needs — water infrastructure, park surfaces, servers, and fire apparatus. Council will hold a budget workshop June 18 once insurance numbers arrive.