Budget Summary
What is the City Budget?
The City Budget is Cedar Rapids’ yearly plan for how we use money to serve our community. The budget aligns with City Council’s strategic goals, authorizes resources, and establishes direction for City programs and services. TOTAL FY27 BUDGET
$928 MILLION
Planning the City Budget
Work on City budgets begins up to two years before the money is spent. Each budget is finalized just months before a new Fiscal Year begins.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
We include the public’s priorities in many ways, including:
Learn more at CityofCR.com/Budget
How We Spend Money (FY27)
FISCAL YEAR 2027 (JULY 1, 2026–JUNE 30, 2027) expense plan: $928 MILLION
FY28 BUDGET PUBLIC MEETINGS (TENTATIVE)
We invite the public to join us at City Hall (101 1st Street SE) for our next budget meetings:
MARCH 23, 2027 | 3PM Public Hearing on Property Tax
APRIL 27, 2027 | 4PM Public Hearing for Budget Adoption
Every dollar the City collects is allocated to services and improvements that keep Cedar Rapids safe, efficient, and prepared for future growth.
EXPENSE TERMS
BUSINESS TYPE — Utilities, Transit, Golf, Airport, Cedar Rapids-Linn County Solid Waste Agency, and entertainment venues
CAPITAL PROJECTS — Tax-supported capital improvements infrastructure like roads, the Flood Control System, and trails
PUBLIC SAFETY — Police, Fire, Building Services, and Animal Control
DEBT SERVICE — Principal and interest payments on tax-supported bonds or loans for capital projects
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT — Community and economic development, including tax-increment financing areas
PUBLIC WORKS — Maintenance of roads, bridges, traffic-control devices, and street lighting
GENERAL GOVERNMENT — Administrative areas like Finance, Information Technology, City Council, City Manager, etc.
CULTURE & RECREATION — Parks, recreation, pools, and libraries
Where Our Money Comes From (FY27)
Most City revenue does not come directly from your property tax bill. It comes from a mix of financing tools.
revenue plan: $928 MILLION
REVENUE TERMS
CHARGES FOR SERVICES — Proceeds from charges to internal and external users for services provided TAXES — Property Tax, Local-Option Sales Tax, HotelMotel Tax, and franchise fees
PROCEEDS OF LONG-TERM LIABILITIES — Proceeds for improvements from borrowed funds, like bonds or State Revolving Loans, used for major projects like flood control, water-treatment upgrades, etc.
OTHER REVENUE — Interest earned on savings, rent from City properties, insurance premiums, special assessments, contributions, airport parking and landing fees, etc.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVENUE — Funds received from federal, state, or county governments to support specific projects or programs
USE OF FUND BALANCE — Money saved in prior years
FINES & FORFEITS — Payments for violating laws or rules
LICENSES & PERMITS — Fees for regulated activities, such as building permits, alcohol licenses, and tobacco permits
The FY27 City levy rate will remain unchanged at $16.6562 per $1,000 of a property’s taxable value. Five cents will be reallocated from the Non-Flood Debt Service Levy to the Liability, Property, & Self Insurance Levy.
$78,569 Net Taxable Value
The City of Cedar Rapids receives about 39–44% of your total property tax bill, with the rest going to the County, schools, and other agencies.
