Budget committee approves $41.29 million 2025–26 budget, allocates $170,000 for Weddell Bridge restoration

The Sweet Home Budget Committee on a unanimous vote approved the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget totaling $41,289,940 and adopted an amendment to appropriate $170,000 from Fund 207's unappropriated balance for restoration work on Weddell Bridge.

The amendment was moved by Councilor Sanchez and was seconded by another committee member; the committee approved the amended proposed budget by roll call vote. Committee members voting yes included Councilor Bronson, Councilor Hagee, Councilor Richards, Councilor Sanchez, President Pro Tem Thorstein, Mayor Coleman, Chair Miller, Committee Member Dahl and Councilor Augsberger.

The amendment makes $170,000 available in the Weddell Bridge department within Fund 207 (community enhancement fund), where staff said there is $1,055,000 currently in unappropriated funds. A staff member explained that moving money from unappropriated into an appropriated account (for example materials and services or capital outlay) is the quickest way to make it spendable in the coming fiscal year.

Committee members and speakers described multiple cost estimates for the bridge. A preliminary visual inspection produced an initial estimate near $90,000 but did not include engineering, painting or permitting. The Linn County Road Department helped refine line items and recommended a minimum of $400,000 for restoration work; staff said $500,000 may be closer to full restoration cost. The committee noted those figures were preliminary and that engineering specifications and final grant-match requirements are not yet available.

“I think I'd like to make the motion, as proposed with the amendment for the 170,000 from the unappropriated funds for the little bridge,” Councilor Sanchez said during the meeting.

Staff warned that appropriating the $170,000 does not obligate immediate spending; if the project is delayed the appropriation would increase the beginning fund balance for that Weddell Bridge department in the next fiscal year. The staff member also outlined alternatives if the committee needs additional funds later: using general-fund contingency (about $1,500,000 as stated by staff), an internal loan from other city funds such as water or sewer, or moving additional unappropriated funds into appropriations.

Committee members who spoke in favor cited the cultural and historical importance of preserving remaining historic infrastructure. Chair Miller and other members said having an appropriation on hand can help spur grant applications and local fundraising efforts and cover immediate pre-construction costs such as engineering or permit fees.

The committee also heard that the Weddell Bridge has cleared the first hurdle for relisting on the state historic register after an earlier ODOT opinion (circa 02/2001) indicated potential eligibility; staff said they will meet with state officials about next steps for relisting.

Next steps: the amended proposed budget and appropriation will be included in the documents the city council will consider for adoption in the coming council adoption process (May/June, as noted by staff). If the bridge project does not proceed in the next fiscal year, the appropriation will remain as the beginning fund balance in the Weddell Bridge department for the following year's budget.