Council opens 2026 budget public hearing and studies operating funds; staff projects $27.6 million in expenditures

The Newcastle City Council opened a public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget on Oct. 7 and then held an extended budget study session that reviewed operating funds, revenue drivers and notable changes from the current year.

Finance Director Chambers presented the city’s preliminary 2026 expenditure total for adoption consideration as $27,593,714 (expenditures only). She described the budget breakout as: operating $16,726,367; capital $6,356,953; debt service $469,447; interfund transfers $3,640,947; and other financing uses $400,000. Chambers said the budget book had been posted and staff welcomed public testimony and council questions.

Two residents spoke during the public hearing urging the council to add the Lake Boren Promenade to the capital improvement program and to apply for a $1 million Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grant in early 2026. Gary Campan, speaking for Newcastle Trails, described the promenade as an ADA-accessible waterfront path that would expand Lake Boren Park North and complete a lakeside trail. Peggy Price said the grant opportunity is offered roughly every two years and urged the city to use modest local matching or preliminary funding to qualify.

At the subsequent study session, City Manager Pingel and Director Chambers…