The City of Cheyenne Committee of the Whole on Monday recommended approval on third and final reading of the fiscal year 2026 budget ordinance, starting from a $74,417,876 proposed total and incorporating several small amendments, the committee heard.

The budget appropriation ordinance covers the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026. Committee members approved an amendment to add $10,977 to the City Council department to fund a temporary part-time employee and corresponding benefits, funded by reductions elsewhere in the miscellaneous department. The committee also confirmed earlier amendments that added $100,000 for police traffic enforcement and $7,894 to a City Council payroll line item.

The committee heard a staff summary of the budget before debate. A city staff speaker reported the City began with a $74,417,876 budget and said the police department made 1,996 traffic stops in May as part of the council goal to reduce noisy and unsafe driving.

Discussion and amendments

Councilman Seagrave moved the amendment to add $10,000 to the City Council temporary part‑time line item and $977 to applicable benefit line items (total $10,977). He said the money is intended to allow a temporary part‑time employee in the City Council office. The amendment funded the increase by deducting $6,900 from the miscellaneous department insurance line item and $4,077 from the miscellaneous department general discretionary line item. That amendment passed in committee.

Councilman Moody proposed a separate amendment to reduce the Planning and Development Division professional services line item from $250,000 to $100,000 and move $150,000 to the general miscellaneous fund, citing a need to preserve funds for fire and police and questioning the planned scope of transportation-related work. Council members asked whether the sponsor had discussed the proposed cut with department leadership; Moody acknowledged he had not. Planning Director Charles Bloom (present remotely) and other council members urged caution, noting an updated community plan and consultant cost estimates that reflect community outreach needs. Moody’s motion was seconded for discussion then defeated.

Votes and next steps

A motion to recommend approval on third reading was made by Councilman Roybal and seconded by Councilman Seagrave. The committee recorded two opposing votes: Councilwoman Aldridge and Councilman Moody. The committee’s recommendation will be forwarded to the governing body for final action on Monday night.

The committee’s actions on the budget were limited to amendments and recommendation for third reading; the governing body will take the final legislative vote required to adopt the ordinance.