Mayor presents 2026 budget proposal; public hearing set for Sept. 2

Mayor Kenneth Austin introduced the proposed 2026 city budget at the Aug. 18 council meeting, presenting a $22,917,164 general fund and a $35,167,073 total tax‑supported budget. The item was introduced for public review; a formal public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 2 and council discussed a planned adoption on Sept. 15.

The mayor said the 2026 general fund totals $22,917,164, an increase of approximately $535,123 (2.39%). The broader tax‑supported funds total about $35.17 million, a 0.97% increase over the comparable baseline. The mayor detailed proposed pay adjustments affecting the city’s approximately 196 positions: a total wage increase of $437,781 (an average of $2,233.58 per position) and a set of targeted higher adjustments for specific positions tied to market adjustments or changing job duties. The proposal also eliminates one vacant position and adds a GIS specialist, a fleet maintenance technician, a building service supervisor and more part‑time hours in other areas.

The mayor highlighted an expected conservative savings in insurance after switching brokers (Gibson), citing a projected $372,080 saving across medical, liability and workers’ compensation premiums; he said the administration left a portion of the potential savings in the budget as a conservative measure. Public safety continues to form the largest share of the general fund (about 69.5%); the mayor gave specific line items for police and fire. The budget package includes the salary ordinance introduction and other required ordinance items; the council received the documents for public review. The mayor invited council and the public to review the budget materials ahead of the Sept. 2 public hearing.