Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget priorities
Summary
Council members ranked what they want staff to focus on next budget year. Infrastructure maintenance won unanimous support, followed by acquiring park land north of US-192 and a public safety campaign on e-bikes and e-motos.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 8
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 23, 2026.
Impact analysis
No immediate fiscal impact — the ranked projects will be considered as the 2026-27 budget is built over the coming months.
All residents, since infrastructure upkeep, parks, and safety programs rose to the top of the city's spending wishlist.
Anyone hoping for added city reserves or expanded services sees revenue held flat.
Mentions & discussions (8)
City Council (Regular) - Sep 23, 2026
The city is keeping the property tax rate at the rolled-back rate of 1.7724, so homeowners won't see a city tax increase. The $97.9 million budget is 7.32% smaller than last year and still funds major water and sewer projects.
City Council (Regular) - Sep 9, 2026
The city's $97.9 million budget holds your property tax rate at the rolled-back rate of 1.7724, down about 7% in overall spending from last year. Big items include a new water plant, wastewater staffing additions, and capital projects like land acquisition and the new Building Department building.
City Council (Regular) - Jul 21, 2026
The council proposed keeping the tax rate at 1.7724 per $1,000, with a final public hearing September 9. Taxable value has grown faster than tax revenue since 2020, and members discussed whether to build reserves.
City Council (Regular) - Jun 16, 2026
The city's draft budget drops nearly 20% as big water and sewer construction projects proceed, and staff pitched the rolled-back tax rate of 1.7842 — about $9 less a year on a $300,000 home. Council sets the preliminary rate July 21.
City Council (Regular) - May 19, 2026
Council members flagged that a statewide property tax question will likely be on the ballot, and the city must plan for a budget without property tax revenue. The city attorney cautioned that once an item is on the ballot, the city's ability to respond is legally restricted.
City Council (Regular) - May 5, 2026
The city projects $48.5 million in total revenues next year, with utility and franchise taxes growing thanks to growth. Staff will likely recommend the rollback rate, so property taxes shouldn't rise. A water rate analysis comes later this year.
City Council (Regular) - Apr 21, 2026
Council members ranked what they want staff to focus on next budget year. Infrastructure maintenance won unanimous support, followed by acquiring park land north of US-192 and a public safety campaign on e-bikes and e-motos.
City Council (Regular) - Apr 7, 2026
Council brainstormed spending priorities: speed signs, Flock cameras, park master plan projects, a future community center, septic-to-sewer expansion, flood reduction projects, website improvements, and a small business program. Ideas get refined April 21.
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