Westfield’s 2027 budget proposal continues to prioritize public safety, infrastructure & quality of life

Submitted by City of Westfield

The City of Westfield’s proposed 2027 budget continues investments in public safety, infrastructure, and quality-of-life initiatives while maintaining the administration’s focus on fiscal responsibility.

The proposed 2027 operations budget totals $89,392,368, while the Civil City budget totals $141,525,099, and was introduced to the Westfield City Council during its Sept. 14 meeting, which also included a public hearing. Final adoption is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 12.

More than half of the recommended budget is dedicated to the Westfield Police and Fire departments, reflecting city officials’ continued emphasis on maintaining public safety services as Westfield grows.

“The Westfield city tax rate has dropped each year of this administration despite the rapid growth, and that’s something to be proud of,” Mayor Scott Willis said. “This budget continues to make thoughtful investments in the services and infrastructure our residents depend on while preparing Westfield for the growth we know is ahead.”

The city’s estimated 2027 tax rate is $0.7162 per $100 of assessed value, compared with $0.7163 in 2026. The proposed budget was again developed using a zero-based budgeting approach.

The budget was developed as Westfield continues to navigate the impacts of Senate Enrolled Act 1. The city anticipates approximately $3.5 million in lost property tax revenue in 2027, increasing to approximately $6.5 million in 2028 and $10.9 million in 2029.

Key features of the proposed 2027 budget include:

Public safety

• Funding for five additional police officers and two civilian positions
• Expansion of the Police Department’s Emergency Response Drone program
• Funding for occupational cancer screenings for Westfield firefighters
• Continued EMS equipment support and investment in growing Fire Department operations

The investments come as public safety demands continue to increase. Fire Department run volume is projected to increase 23.5 percent from 2024 through 2026, while the city has added 36 Fire Department positions since 2024. Westfield Police has added 11 sworn officers and four civilian positions during 2025 and 2026 while maintaining stable crime levels despite significant population growth.

Roads & infrastructure

• Continued funding for roadway resurfacing
• Construction of a roundabout at Grand Park Boulevard and John Dippel Boulevard
• Ditch Road reconstruction
• Crosswalk upgrades to improve pedestrian safety
• Sidewalk repairs to improve ADA compliance
• Continued work on the 191st Street widening project, including improvements at Horton Road, Spring Mill Road, and 191st Street
• Jersey Street improvements and extension
• Continued efforts to connect gaps in the city’s trail network

Since 2024, Westfield has invested more than $90 million in infrastructure and resurfaced or reconstructed nearly 36 miles of roadway through its maintenance program.

Parks & quality of life

• Development of a master plan for the Mary Ann White property, including consideration of a permanent Farmers Market building
• Refurbishment of headstones at Old Friends Cemetery
• A new playground at Freedom Trail Park
• Continued community programming, including Jams at the Junction and the Kids Summer Series
• Development of Woods Family Park and Trailhead near 191st Street and the Monon Trail

Preparing for continued growth

The proposed budget also positions the city for several operational changes associated with Westfield’s growth, including preparations for the transition to a second-class city, implementation of an integrated enterprise resource planning platform, planning for the next phase of City Hall, and preparations for a future City Court.

The city continues to plan for growth through its recently completed Comprehensive Plan, Downtown Revitalization Plan, Grand Park District Plan, and first Capital Improvement Plan, establishing long-term priorities for infrastructure, development, and community investment.

For the latest updates and detailed budget information, visit westfieldin.gov/budget.