Belton staff present conservative FY 2026 budget proposal; $6 million placeholder for water improvements, 5% proposed employee pay increase

Ms. Cohen presented the city's proposed FY 2026 budget at a council workshop, saying the plan is largely "status quo" operationally while keeping a conservative approach to revenues and insurance costs. The proposal includes a 2.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment and a 2.5% merit/step increase (a combined 5% for employees) and schedules two council readings in March, with an April 1 effective date if adopted.

The proposal assumes a 12% health insurance increase that already took effect Jan. 1, and budgets 15% for the next insurance year as a conservative contingency. Other assumptions include 5% estimated growth in sales tax revenues, a 5% increase in water costs from Kansas City, Missouri, a 5% increase from Little Blue Sewer District and a 15% estimated increase in liability insurance. Ms. Cohen said the city is "super conservative" on insurance budgeting to avoid surprises.

The presentation…