Forest Park holds second public hearing on $43,034,857 FY 2025–26 budget; no public comment

Forest Park Mayor and City Council convened a special called meeting at 5:00 p.m. June 16 for a second public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget, which the city presented with a total funded amount of $43,034,857. No members of the public spoke during the allotted comment periods, and the hearing was closed.

The council described the budget as allocating resources across public safety, infrastructure, economic development and city services, including maintenance of parks, recreational facilities, streets and utilities. The city manager is slated to present a full budget overview at the regular meeting later that evening. Council members said the third public hearing and formal adoption are scheduled for 7 p.m. June 16 at the regular meeting.

Roll call at the special meeting recorded Mayor Butler as present; Council member James was not in attendance; Council member Gunn was present; Council member Aiken Gutierrez was present; Council member Akins Wells was present; and Council member Mears was present by telephone. City staff conducted a public hearing that allotted 10 minutes total for speakers supporting the budget and 10 minutes total for speakers opposing it. No one signed up to speak during either period.

With no speakers, the council chair closed the public hearing and adjourned the special meeting. There was no formal vote or adoption of the budget at the 5 p.m. session. The council will consider adoption during the 7 p.m. regular meeting the same day, when the city manager will deliver the full budget overview and the council may take formal action.