Council moves FY26 capital budget to second reading; Saxonville intersection to be redesigned

The City Council voted to send the FY26 capital budget to a second reading and set the public hearing for June 17 at 7 p.m., after a lengthy review of capital spending priorities and specific projects.

Councilors highlighted several items: a reduction in the previously proposed more-than-$11 million Saxonville intersection project so staff and engineers can replan the intersection geometry and pursue property transfers to support a safer, more comprehensive design; a $3 million streets allocation for public works from the general fund; park-and-recreation priorities and debate over where to direct limited resources; and neighborhood reconstructions including a Garvey Road project estimated at about $1.5 million.

On Saxonville, councilors and staff said ongoing private property transactions create an opportunity to redesign the intersection rather than install piecemeal traffic signals. The administration said it expects to use Chapter 90 highway funds to complete design work this year and to seek construction funding in FY27. "We feel that, with the ability to redesign that intersection rather than just try to Mickey Mouse some traffic signals into the existing geometry, we can do a much better job in a much safer provide a much safer intersection," a city official said.

Next steps: The council set a public hearing on the capital budget for June 17 and said commissioners and department heads will return with additional detail on prioritization and final cost estimates during the second reading.