Meridian — The Meridian City Council approved a fiscal year 2026 budget amendment of $182,988 on Oct. 21 to cover a shortfall in the employee benefits trust.

City finance staff told the council the amendment covers a quarter-two deficit and that remaining shortfalls for the year will be brought forward after quarter-three and likely again for quarter four. “The remaining deficit for q2 was $182,988,” the finance presenter said.

The amendment was moved and seconded on the council floor. With no discussion, the mayor called the roll and the ayes carried; the council adopted the amendment and directed staff to continue regular quarterly updates on fund status.

Finance staff said they brought forward only the immediate deficit and will return with follow-up requests as accounting for later quarters becomes final. Council members thanked the finance team for providing the quarterly cadence of reports.

The decision requires no change in policy; it is an appropriation to balance the trust this fiscal year and preserves the council’s ability to request additional amendments after further accounting closes.

Looking ahead, finance and council members agreed to continue quarterly briefings on trust performance and to present any future deficit requests with the same timing and documentation.