Staff reviewed capital projects in the general fund and utility capital plans. The downtown design team is completing engineering work this calendar year, with construction bidding expected in 2026 and likely construction across 2026–2027; the project includes street, sidewalk, island and landscaping work and some inner‑parking rework while preserving existing brick parking areas.
For wastewater, staff said the 2025 CIP already issued $2,000,000 and the fiscal 2026 proposal includes issuing an additional $6,000,000 in certificates of obligation to reach the roughly $8,000,000 needed to complete wastewater treatment plant renovations. The work will restore the plant’s treated capacity and reduce the volume of storm surge that must be stored on site, and staff said the budget anticipates debt service associated with that issuance.
Staff also presented a series of smaller capital items across departments: playground and swing replacements at City Park, a shipping‑container storage solution at the Eddie Moore baseball complex, dog‑park fence replacement, solar park lighting with a limited 10‑year service agreement planned for installation and an emergency generator replacement for the public safety building. Fire department equipment needs — such as SCBA adapter purchases tied to new ladder capabilities — were also noted.
Staff reminded council that sale proceeds and designated capital funds (for example proceeds from sale of airport land or ladder‑truck sale proceeds) are allocated to capital projects and cannot be applied directly to bond principal payments. Council asked timing and scope questions about downtown parking, playground replacements and generator installations, and staff said they will return with more detailed schedules and procurement actions.