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Council tables first reading of 2026 appropriations ordinance to allow further review, scheduling Sept. 15 work session
Summary
City staff presented the 2026 draft budget—described as the city’s largest to date at about $178 million—then the council voted to table the ordinance’s first reading until the Sept. 15 work session to allow more discussion of capital items including a proposed two-way Main Street conversion.
City staff presented the draft 2026 appropriations ordinance and related capital improvements plan, and the City Council voted to table the ordinance’s first reading until a Sept. 15 work session to allow further public comment and council discussion.
City Manager Robin (full name given in packet) said the 2026 proposal grew from department requests that began in April and includes major capital projects such as a wastewater treatment plant reconstruction, a public works facility, Dakota Street reconstruction, a Moccasin Creek cleanup effort, and a water tower and transmission line. “You’re at a $178,000,000 budget,” the manager said, calling it the largest ever for the city.
Staff noted the budget packet was available on the city website, at the library and at city hall and that the notice of hearing was published Aug. 21. Staff also said the capital improvements plan hearing is scheduled for the council work session on Sept. 15 and that the council must meet state statutory deadlines for budget adoption, but that tabling until Sept. 15 would still allow compliance.
Councilmember Johnson moved to table the first-reading vote; Councilmember Lee Belt seconded. The motion passed unanimously by roll call: Nordstrom, Nelson, Ekonger, Johnson, Ward, Liebelte, Foburg, Ronan, Norbstrup and Mayor Travis Shoneman all voted aye.
What council members asked: Members requested further detail on major expenditure increases, including personnel costs and insurance (the city is self-insured). Staff pointed council members to exhibits in the packet that break down year-over-year changes by function and department. Council members also asked about specific department decreases in airports and snow removal budgets; staff explained those reflect timing of capital purchases and federal grant activity.
Why it matters: The appropriations ordinance sets spending levels for 2026 and funds multi-year capital projects that have long-term implications for operations and debt service. Tabling the ordinance allows the public and council to focus discussion on the Main Street CIP item and other large capital items before final adoption.
Next steps: Staff will present additional detail at the Sept. 15 work session and bring the ordinance back for first reading after that discussion.
