City presents 2026 budget recap and proposed fee schedule; council debates development‑fee waivers for housing partners

Finance staff presented a high‑level recap of the proposed 2026 budget and a recommended fees schedule at the Sept. 23 study session, and council discussed staff’s draft policy to waive development fees for certain public and quasi‑public partners.

Budget highlights and reserve strategy Budget staff said the proposed 2026 budget totals about $165.7 million across all funds, with a $66.1 million General Fund. In response to softer sales tax collections in 2024, the city proposed a temporary use of fund balance to bridge revenue uncertainty while preserving service levels. Staff said the General Fund would remain within the city’s financial policy target (about 25% of operating expenses) in 2026, but warned a structural imbalance would require future adjustments if revenues did not recover.

Utility rates and fee…