Budget work sessions set to wrap up with Public Works and Transportation

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Four days of public budget discussions for fiscal year 2026 will come to a close Tuesday evening with Public Works on tap for further review.

St. Joseph's Public Works and Transportation Department is expected to command the largest share of department funding in the upcoming fiscal year with a proposed budget of $94.2 million, more than twice as much as the next closest department in Public Safety with $44.5 million. 

The proposed Public Works budget for 2026 includes an overall increase of $7.8 million, or 9%. The department oversees a wide variety of areas, including street maintenance, aviation, water protection, transit and the landfill.

Capital improvements will see a notable budget increase from $15.8 million in 2025 to $22.7 million for 2026.

Aviation is proposed to see the largest year-to-year increase, jumping from $794,333 in 2025 to $4.7 million in 2026 for widespread capital improvements to Rosecrans Memorial Airport and the 139th Airlift Wing.

Mass Transit funding is proposed to increase significantly from $8.6 to $12.9 million.

Nearly 50% of planned expenditures for Public Works in 2026 are allocated for the Water Protection Division, which is set to continue critical upgrades to replace aging and outdated equipment.

Stay with us as we continue to update this story.