Piedmont council adopts $41.5 million operating budget, levies municipal service and sewer taxes

The Piedmont City Council on Monday adopted its fiscal year 2025–26 operating budget and related annual measures, approving multiple resolutions and tax levies the council said will fund capital projects and maintain municipal services.

The council voted unanimously to set total operating appropriations at $41,533,357 and to adopt the city’s other-funds budget at $30,330,087. Councilors also approved an updated schedule of fees and charges, established the annual appropriations limit for 2025–26, and adopted resolutions to levy the municipal services special tax and a special municipal sewer tax for the coming fiscal year.

City Administrator Rosanna and interim Finance Director Michael Shek told the council the presented budget reflects modest net adjustments (approximately $10,300 in net additional expenditures) to the draft previously discussed at study sessions and two budget workshops. Staff said the adopted plan reflects council priorities: completing the community pool project, relocating police dispatch, advancing the Deering Memorial project, and planning for a future public safety (essential services) building.

Council members thanked staff and volunteer advisory committees for the work on the document. Vice Mayor McCarthy moved the resolution adopting the operating budget; Council Member Ramsey seconded. Subsequent motions to adopt the other-funds budget, update the fee schedule, set the appropriations limit and levy the two special taxes were moved and seconded by council members in turn; all measures passed on unanimous roll-call votes.

Council members and staff emphasized that the municipal services tax — approved by voters earlier this year as Measure F — provided revenue to increase public-safety staffing, including two additional dispatchers, and will support technology upgrades and ongoing operations. City staff said the municipal tax may be levied up to the full amount authorized by voters and recommended levying it to meet current needs.

The council noted the budget is a “living” document and scheduled a midyear check-in to review progress and adjustments. The council also acknowledged the interim role of Michael Shek and thanked the budget advisory and financial planning committee for its participation.

The council’s actions on Monday adopted the fiscal 2025–26 appropriation levels and associated measures; staff will implement the levy and administrative steps described in the adopted resolutions.