Carmel City Council unanimously approves $144 million 2026 budget

Submitted by City of Carmel

Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam answered questions from the Carmel City Council on Monday, Oct. 20 about the 2026 budget while on its way to being unanimously approved.

The budget preserves the mayor’s key funding priorities of public safety, critical infrastructure efforts, the arts and parks at levels consistent with the mayor’s stated commitment to maintaining Carmel’s high quality of life.

The General Fund budget totals $144 million. Click here for full details on the budget.

Mayor Finkam touted the work with the Council in crafting a budget that reflects the stark reality of declining revenues and the new financial reality all communities in Indiana face following the passage of Senate Enrolled Act 1.

“Our efforts to maintain the strong fiscal health of Carmel will continue in earnest,” Mayor Finkam said. “I look forward to keeping Carmel safe, maintaining a pro-growth economy, and remaining a welcoming community for all.”

Council President Adam Aasen thanked the mayor and city council members for their collaboration, saying, “This outcome will benefit Carmel residents and businesses, and I’m proud of the work our council did in getting this crucial budget passed.”

Matthew Snyder, council vice president, noted the dedication of both the council members and the mayor as part of the budget process.

“Everyone on this dais represents all 110,000 people in this community. The mayor does as well,” Snyder said. “We are excited to come up with a solution that works best for everyone.”