The committee got an early look at major pieces of the 2026 budget—Fire/EMS costs, debt payments, and the General Fund’s year-to-date spending. No votes were recorded, but the numbers point to steady spending in 2025 and higher costs (and borrowing payments) heading into 2026.
Key Decisions
Fire/EMS laid out a 2026 budget with a 4.99% operating increase and $860,000 in preapproved capital spending—mostly an $850,000 new pump truck—putting a big, visible price tag on keeping equipment current.
The proposed 2026 debt service budget includes a levy increase of $35,065 (1.37%), with total general obligation principal and interest payments up $46,953 from 2025—real pressure on the tax bill even while the city says it’s under its self-imposed debt limit.
Staff reported the General Fund was tracking close to budget through August (expenses at 67.73% of the annual budget with 66.67% of the year elapsed), suggesting no obvious mid-year blowup—but it’s still early in the budget cycle.
Public Input
No public comments or communications recorded for this meeting.
Agenda Items
Review of 2025 General Fund Budget Status Through August
The finance director reported the General Fund was running close to plan through August 2025, with spending slightly ahead of the straight-line pace but described as “very close to budget overall.” This is the kind of checkpoint residents should expect to see regularly—especially before big 2026 budget choices lock in.
Review of Fire and EMS Proposed 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets
Fire/EMS presented a proposed 2026 budget with higher costs tied to wages, health insurance, and added software/services, plus implementation costs for the approved PWC and Youth Apprentice programs. The department also highlighted more than $250,000 in grants received in 2025, which helps—but doesn’t erase the ongoing operating increases. Capital spending listed as preapproved totals $860,000, dominated by an $850,000 pump truck, a major purchase residents will ultimately pay for one way or another.
General government budgets were not reviewed at this meeting; staff said they will come back at a future meeting. The committee did note expectations that shared revenue and highway aid will rise in 2026 and that property/liability insurance costs may drop—good news if it holds, but it’s still a projection until the full budget is shown.
The committee reviewed a proposed 2026 debt service budget that would raise the levy by $35,065 (1.37%) compared to 2025, with general obligation principal and interest payments up $46,953. Staff said the city remains under its self-imposed debt limit (60% of the legal maximum), with the ratio projected to fall by the end of 2025. The key resident takeaway: even with “within limits” messaging, debt payments are still rising and will compete with services for tax dollars.
The committee adjusted its 2026 budget review schedule by removing the November 13 meeting, with a note it will be rescheduled later if needed. This matters because fewer scheduled meetings can mean less public visibility into budget tradeoffs—unless the city clearly posts the replacement date(s) and keeps the review process accessible.