Copperas Cove council reviews draft FY2025–26 budget, directs staff to proceed

Mayor Dan Yancey and the City Council heard a presentation Tuesday on the draft fiscal year 2025–26 budget and gave staff direction to continue preparing a proposed budget for adoption this summer.

Ariana Beckman, director of budget, told the council the general fund faces a deficit that varies with pay decisions and recommended a menu of options and assumptions for council direction. ‘‘If we keep the market adjustments as step plan increases, then that deficit will change to a positive balance of $433,000,’’ Beckman said, summarizing one of the staff scenarios.

The presentation explained the deficit two ways: a $1,680,000 shortfall if market adjustments for non‑public‑safety employees and step increases for police and fire are included; and a smaller $866,000 gap if market adjustments are removed. Beckman said staff packages to close the gap include an ongoing…