Warner Robins’ FY 2026 budget reflects economic uncertainty

“City employees will pay five dollars extra per pay period for individual medical insurance, and a $10 increase for families per pay period."

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The fiscal year 2026 budget for the City of Warner Robins totals nearly $180 million, with increases to services such as public safety, public works and recreation. But Mayor LaRhonda Patrick says the city took a more conservative approach to crafting this year’s budget, citing economic concerns nationally and globally.

“We see and hear about people losing jobs, being laid off, federal workers being laid off,” Patrick said. “It’s a scary time for a lot of people.”

The threat of job losses and inflation has led to Warner Robins making a more modest estimate for revenue than in years past. In response, Mayor Patrick says city employees are now seeing slight increases in health insurance costs.

“City employees will pay five dollars extra per pay period for individual medical insurance, and a $10 increase for families per pay period,” Patrick said.

City employees typically receive step increases in pay on their work anniversaries. But Patrick says the city will hold off on those increases for now.

“We’re holding back on it to make sure that if the economy takes a dip, we will still be in great shape,” Patrick said. 

The city asked each department to decrease their initial allocated budget requests by 5%. Even still, public safety, public works, and recreation will enjoy increased funding from FY 2025. And more money will go toward updating the city’s infrastructure.

“We are doing more,” Patrick said. “We’re tightening internally. And we’re not shaving off any of our services, which is a great thing.”