Danville City Manager Presents $395M Budget Proposal

Proposal focuses on education, economic growth, and public safety while maintaining utility affordability

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:56am

Danville City Manager Ken Larking presented a proposed $395.2 million budget for the next fiscal year to the City Council, reflecting a 2.8% increase over the current budget. The proposal prioritizes education, economic development, and public safety while ensuring essential services remain reliable and accessible, and leveraging casino revenue for community benefits.

Why it matters

Danville has experienced growth in recent years, but the city manager acknowledged that not everyone has fully participated in the economic opportunities. The proposed budget aims to encourage more economic development and provide pathways for residents to take advantage of these opportunities.

The details

The balanced budget includes no increase in the tax rate, but does propose utility rate adjustments recommended from a biennial rate study. Of the $37.7 million in expected gaming tax revenue from the Caesars casino, $31.9 million is allocated to fund various initiatives including capital projects, school support, economic development, blight removal, and new city personnel.

  • The proposed budget is for the next fiscal year, which begins on July 1.
  • The City Council will hold public hearings on the budget in May and June.
  • Final adoption of the budget is scheduled for June 16, but must take place no later than June 30.

The players

Ken Larking

Danville City Manager who presented the proposed budget to the City Council.

Danville City Council

The governing body that will review and approve the final budget.

Danville Public Schools

The school district that will receive $6.5 million in funding from the proposed budget.

Caesars

The casino that is expected to generate $37.7 million in gaming tax revenue for the city.

Danville Neighborhood Development Corporation

The organization that will receive $600,000 in funding from the proposed budget for housing programs.

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What they’re saying

“Strategic efforts to enhance economic development, reduce crime, and improve education have increased opportunities and improved property values.”

— Ken Larking, Danville City Manager

“Some still have not fully participated in the economic opportunities we have worked hard to bring to our community. We need to be intentional about encouraging more economic opportunities and providing pathways for people to have the skills and abilities to take advantage of these opportunities.”

— Ken Larking, Danville City Manager

What’s next

The City Council will hold public hearings on the proposed budget in May and June, with final adoption scheduled for June 16, but no later than June 30.

The takeaway

Danville's proposed budget aims to build on the city's recent economic growth by investing in education, public safety, and community development initiatives, while maintaining affordable utility rates and leveraging casino revenue to benefit the entire community.