Council sets 2025 meeting and budget timeline, votes to withhold discretionary contributions

The Caribou City Council approved its 2025 meeting calendar and outlined the timeline for the municipal budget process on Jan. 13, and moved to pause discretionary organizational contributions while preparing for a constrained budget year.

Mayor Boma brought a proposed 2025 meeting schedule that staggers meetings through the year; Councilor Kelly moved to approve the calendar and the motion passed unanimously. City Manager Penny Thompson explained the budget process defined by the city charter (expense budget, capital expense budget and income budget) and said department requests and capital proposals are being collected to present to committee and council.

Councilors and staff discussed the need for a multi-year capital budget presentation so members can see project histories and funding sources rather than single-year lists. Thompson said most department capital requests are prepared and that department heads have been asked to provide the detail needed to assemble a full capital program.

On contributions, the council considered requests from local organizations and recalled that the 2024 council had declined contributions because of tight finances. Councilor Bagley moved to set department 75 (contributions) at zero for 2025; the motion was seconded and passed on a unanimous vote. “I would rather if you’re going to do something, I’d rather see it be significant and you make an impact,” Councilor Lovewell said describing the rationale for prioritizing limited funds.

Several councilors emphasized the broader fiscal pressure the city faces: wage increases, union negotiations and the pending Public Safety Building design and construction. Councilors said they want department-level numbers and capital requests vetted by staff and distributed to councilors ahead of the next meeting so the council can focus on budget materials at the Jan. 27 meeting.