TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — City leaders say the goal of the 2026 budget is to improve the quality of life in Terre Haute.
Within the budget is a balanced general fund and public safety investments, including a base salary increase for city union workers. The new budget also includes several infrastructure and community projects, like renovating the Deming Park Pool and maintaining local parks.
Mayor Brandon Sakbun said there’s a heavy focus on community projects.
“Every child in the city of terre haute deserves to have access to a clean and safe park. I think the other battle is when you look at our public health rankings, where we rank as a county, it’s not great. So, we got to get people outside. We’ve got to invest in ourselves, in our quality of life. So, that’s why we really take a hard look at the parks,” said Sakbun.
The Deming Pool is the only city owned pool in the area and is another effort to elevate community areas.
“We’ve struggled for years with maintenance on it and keeping it open throughout the summer season. The proposal is to significantly improve, expand, and rebuild it,” said Todd Nation, Terre Haute City Council President.
Sakbun said although it’s hard to have budget conversations, he said officials are working hard to keep things balanced. That includes strategic fund allocation to alleviate debt and keeping the city moving forward.
