2026 Budget Book - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Management Summary In preparing the 2026 Budget, Staff continued its mission to maintain a high level of City services with the use of financially conservative budgeting. The 2026 Budget resulted in a $726,957 increase over last year’s levy amount, equating to a 7.51% levy increase. BACKGROUND Each year, staff and Council review the City’s financial outlook through a multi-step process to ensure that resources remain aligned with community needs and service priorities in determining the City’s final operating and capital budgets and final levy amounts. Some key steps in this process for the 2026 levy included: January 2025: Council discussed key financial issues and budgeting goals during the annual goal-setting session. These meetings are instrumental for Council to communicate priorities to staff. June 24: Work session held to review the existing infrastructure improvement schedule and the 2026 Debt Levy. At this meeting a revised Street Improvement schedule was presented for City Council input and consideration. Staff worked in coordination with the City’s engineering team to evaluate and adjust the street reconstruction schedule and proposed a pause for street projects in 2026 and 2027 and a transition to an every-other-year project cycle beginning in 2028. This modification is intended to reduce the frequency of debt issuance while still appropriately maintaining the City’s street and utility infrastructure. July 22 & August 12: Work sessions focused on initial estimates for the 2026 Budget and Property Tax Levy. At these meetings Staff provided the City Council with an early projection regarding the overall levy and General Fund Budget based on known cost increases and inflationary assumptions. Fire Department staffing requests were determined to be a top priority, and various funding options were presented for council consideration at these meetings. Since this time staff has continued to analyze actual costs along with new information provided by vendors, contractual service providers, and review of labor union contracts. August 26: Council Meeting presentation for further review of budget, staffing needs, and funding options for the 2026 Budget and Property Tax Levy. Staff was directed to proceed with preparation for setting Preliminary Levy at $10,570,830, an increase of 9.18% over the 2025 levy, at the September 9, 2025 Council Meeting. September 9: Public hearing conducted for additional public input on the 2026 Budget and Property Tax Levy. Council approved Resolution 25-058 Setting Preliminary Levy at $10,570,830, an increase of 9.18% over the 2025 total levy. 3