Centerville Mayor presents balanced fiscal year 2026 budget focusing on key city services

Centerville's City Council unveiled its tentative budget for the fiscal year 2026 during a meeting on May 6, highlighting a balanced financial plan aimed at enhancing key city services. The proposed budget prioritizes public safety, parks, transportation, and essential infrastructure maintenance, reflecting a commitment to meet the needs of Centerville's residents and businesses.

Mayor Brent outlined that the budget includes a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for employees, aligning with the Consumer Price Index, alongside a 2% merit increase that department heads can allocate based on performance. This merit-based system sparked discussion among council members, with some expressing concerns about potential subjectivity in evaluations. However, assurances were given that performance metrics are in place to guide these decisions.

The budget also anticipates a 5% increase in property and auto insurance costs, alongside a projected 7% rise in medical and dental insurance. Notably, there is no recommendation for a property tax increase, with the city awaiting new growth numbers from the county in June, which will influence future tax rates.

In addition to employee compensation, the budget allocates significant resources to public safety, with approximately 40% of the general fund dedicated to police and fire services. The council emphasized the importance of community feedback, inviting residents to participate in public hearings scheduled for June, where they can voice their opinions before the final budget is adopted.

As the city moves forward, the council remains open to adjustments based on public input and ongoing evaluations, ensuring that Centerville's budget reflects the priorities and needs of its community.