City reports structural general‑fund gap and requests affirmation of scheduled utility rate increases

City staff presented a biennial budget overview and a separate update on water, wastewater and solid‑waste funds at the June 10 Lincoln City Council meeting, reporting a structural general‑fund gap of about $3.6 million over the two‑year budget period and asking council to reaffirm scheduled utility rate increases.

The staff presentation noted the city had intentionally drawn down an unusually large general‑fund balance to restore staff and services after an extended period of belt‑tightening during and after the recession. Staff said the remaining structural deficit — $3.6 million over the two‑year budget — includes both one‑time project costs and ongoing operating expenses. A major component of the shortfall is a planned $2 million transfer over two years to support Landscaping and Lighting District (LAD) maintenance previously subsidized by…