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City outlines FY2026 budget priorities, capital projects and staffing additions
Summary
City administrators presented a FY2026 budget summary emphasizing infrastructure and public-safety investments, two new staff positions (HR and communications), planned water and wastewater projects and $31.9 million in projected revenues including roughly $8 million in federal grants.
City Administrator Sheila (recorded presentation played for the board) presented a summary of the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, describing priorities, new positions and planned capital projects to support Kearney’s growth.
The proposed budget, developed to align with the mayor and board’s priorities, includes investments in infrastructure, public safety, parks and employee development. The summary identifies funding for design and construction planning for multiple transportation and pedestrian projects — including the Mack Porter Park connector shared-use path, the Connected Kearney Plan, and design work on the Nineteenth Street and Nation Road Complete Street projects — as well as planning and design for intersection improvements at State Route 33 and Meadowbrook Drive. Utility projects cited include construction of the 1,000,000-gallon I-35 water tower, replacement and upgrade of the South Clark waterline, extension of a waterline down Nation Road, and planning and design work for two wastewater projects: inflow-and-infiltration reduction and wastewater treatment plant expansion to secure DNR approvals.
The budget also contains funding for park improvements (Hall Park construction, additional skate-park ramps, riprap at Lions Park, replacement playground equipment at Jesse James Park and other park maintenance), upgrades to city facilities (ADA updates at City Hall, building security enhancements, and an exclusive public meeting space), and a Web/communications investment. The proposal adds two full-time positions: a Human Resources manager and a Communications Specialist, which the administrator said were intended to support recruitment, workforce development, resident engagement and timely communications.
Financial highlights presented: the proposed FY2026 budget anticipates $4.5 million in debt proceeds for capital projects and $31,900,000 in total revenues — an $8.4 million increase from the prior year that staff attributed largely to nearly $8,000,000 in federal grants for transportation and safety projects. The administrator also described market adjustments and merit-step increases for eligible employees to aid recruitment and retention. A utility-rate study and an integrated Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Management Plan are included in planning work for the year.
Ending: The board scheduled an in-depth budget review for the next meeting (Feb. 3). The administrator encouraged aldermen to submit questions in advance so staff can address them in the upcoming detailed presentation.
