Montgomery council adopts largest city budget after multihour debate, 6-3

The Montgomery City Council adopted the city's fiscal year 2026 operating and debt-service budget on Sept. 9 after a protracted discussion over amendments, equipment funding and year-end accounting, voting 6-3 to approve the package as amended. Councilmember Jim Wright moved to adopt the FY2026 operating budget; the motion carried.

The budget debate began when some council members asked to split the agenda item so the ordinance to amend fiscal 2025 could be carried over separately while the council voted on the FY2026 adoption. Councilmembers voted to carry over the proposed amendments to FY2025 and proceed with the FY2026 adoption.

Why it matters: Council approval sets the city's spending priorities for public safety, infrastructure and workforce development for the coming fiscal year and authorizes department-level spending tied to the adopted debt-service plan.

Council discussion focused on how the city handles year-end ‘‘fallout'''unspent budget authority that becomes available when positions are vacant or revenues exceed estimates'''and where those dollars should be applied. Mayor (name…