Council holds public hearing on proposed FY 2025–26 budget; water-rate proposal still on table

At a public hearing the Lincoln Park City Council heard staff present the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget and invited public comment. City staff said the proposed general fund revenues are $28,761,677 and the requested general fund expenditures are approximately $29.04 million, which would use an estimated $664,875 of fund balance.

City staff also told council that the municipal court has submitted a revised budget request after the council's earlier study session. Staff estimated the city's portion of that additional request at roughly $200,000; the city pays about 76% of the overall court budget. City staff said that figure will require a budget adjustment before the final budget adoption.

Water and sewer fund

City staff said the proposed budget currently assumes a 17% increase in water rates for FY25-26 to meet the needs of the water and sewer fund. Staff said the 17% is the current projection and will remain in the packet unless the council directs a change at a future meeting prior to final adoption.

Timeline

Staff reminded council the budget will be adopted at the council's first meeting in June; several small adjustments, including the court request and the water-rate assumption, were expected to be finalized before adoption.

Public comment

No members of the public offered comments specific to the budget during the public-hearing period that followed staff's presentation.

What was said and by whom

Lisa (city manager/finance staff) presented the budget figures and the court and water-rate updates. Council members asked clarifying questions about the court request and about water-loss issues; staff said they would circulate additional budget-change detail to council members ahead of the adoption vote.

Sources: Lincoln Park City Council public hearing (staff presentation and council questions).