Derby Council Approves 2026 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan

During the recent Derby City Council meeting, significant discussions centered around the approval of the 2026 operating budget and the capital improvement plan for 2026 to 2030. The council emphasized the importance of stakeholder feedback in shaping the city’s financial priorities, reflecting a commitment to community engagement in the budgeting process.

The proposed budget aims to fund essential city services throughout 2026, with council members expressing satisfaction with the current budgetary approach. One council member noted the challenge of budget cuts, stating, "I wish we could spend less. But again, I don't just can't find anything in there that I would wanna cut." This sentiment highlights the balancing act of maintaining fiscal responsibility while addressing community needs.

Additionally, the council discussed the trend of decreasing the mill levy, which is a tax rate applied to property valuations. While some members acknowledged that this trend may be influenced by rising property valuations, they expressed a preference for not maintaining a static mill levy, contrasting Derby's approach with that of nearby Wichita, which has kept its mill levy unchanged for decades despite rising costs.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the budget and capital improvement plan, indicating a forward-looking approach to Derby's financial management. As the city prepares for the upcoming fiscal year, the council's decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the community's infrastructure and services, reflecting the priorities and feedback of its residents.