Gardiner council approves FY26 budget, sewer increase and several local measures in unanimous votes

The Gardiner City Council on June 18 voted unanimously on a package of budget, permitting and land-use items, including final adoption of the FY26 general fund budget, appropriation of enterprise and tax-increment finance (TIF) accounts, a 4% sewer-rate increase and several property and licensing approvals.

Councilors said most items were the result of months of work by staff and committees, and recorded unanimous votes on each motion. The measures are procedural steps to implement the city manager’s recommended spending plan and several development- and licensing decisions.

The council approved the second and final read of the FY26 general fund budget and authorized the city manager to enter contracts needed to implement it. The body also adopted FY26 appropriations for enterprise accounts (ambulance and wastewater) and the TIF funds.

Other council actions included: accepting a KVCOG (regional planning) proposal to support a comprehensive-plan update, approving a deed restriction modification for Libby Hill Business Park Lots 18 and 20 related to construction/timeline obligations on resale, approving a permanent mural on the rear wall of 343 Water Street (Stonebrook Bread and Books), certifying the June 10 MSAD 11 school budget referendum results, authorizing a victualer’s license for McDonald’s, approving a list of recommended FY25-to-FY26 carry-forward…