Mayor (name not specified) presented the administration’s proposed 2026 budget at the Sept. 11 workshop and described the plan as largely flat while flagging several specific measures and pressures.

Key proposals the mayor outlined included a 2 percent salary increase for employees, a $4,300,000 riverboat transfer to the general fund (up from $3.7 million the previous year), and changes to salary ranges so new hires would not automatically enter at the top of pay scales. The mayor said several full‑time positions have been converted to part‑time where appropriate and that parity adjustments were applied (for example, CDL operators will be paid in the same range regardless of department).

The mayor said some department pay adjustments reflect certifications or market comparisons: golf maintenance pay was increased after two staff members earned specialized certifications (saving the city roughly $30,000 annually vs. outsourcing), and animal control pay was raised above 2 percent to approach a state average the mayor cited ($21.92 per hour versus previously about $18).

Capital spending will be restrained and the administration is trying not to use riverboat capital for certain purchases; still, a few trucks, a plow and mowers appear in the capital plan. The mayor said some grant matches and price escalation forced the city to use cash balances for equipment: the city ordered three refuse trucks under a 2022 grant whose match grew; one truck was cited at roughly $496,000 and the city had to draw on reserves to cover the increased match.

On cash balances, the mayor presented comparative sheets for 2024–2026 and said the general fund shows modest improvement year over year, though some special funds remain constrained. She said Baker Tilly is assisting with long‑term forecasting and a debt‑reserve policy and that the city intends to scrutinize fees and missed chargeable services (for instance, additional engineering or plan‑review charges not previously billed).

The mayor closed by reminding council members of the budget schedule: first reading/public handout Sept. 16, department workshop Sept. 24 (tentative carryover Sept. 25), follow-up workshop Sept. 30, second reading/public hearing Oct. 7 and a third reading if needed Oct. 21.

Ending: The mayor invited council questions and said staff will return with updated slides and requested clarifications.