Wyoming council reviews budget and water system response; approves housing plan, contracts and appointments

The City of Wyoming City Council on May 5 held public hearings on the city's proposed 2025–26 budget and the city's consolidated housing and community development (CDBG) annual action plan, approved a package of contracts and appointments, and discussed last week's boil-water advisory in the city's low-pressure service area.

The council heard a budget overview from Jody, a city staff member who presented revenue and expenditure details for fiscal 2026 and the next steps in the adoption process. The proposed total property tax levy for 2026 is just over 13 mills (the presenter said the millage is about 13.0826, down from about 13.1493 the prior year). Staff also proposed water and sewer rate increases of about 9% (water) and 10% (sewer) for FY 2026 under a multi-year rate model intended to fund large capital projects, including design and construction work for water transmission and treatment infrastructure. Jody said the average quarterly residential water/sewer bill would rise from about $163 to about $178, or roughly $5 a month.

The presentation said total revenue across funds for FY 2026 is roughly $141 million and planned expenditures approach $181 million, requiring drawing on fund balance to pay for capital projects. Staff noted a planned capital improvement program of approximately $60 million, with major spending in water and sewer plants, roadways, parks and buildings, and said the city may consider issuing bonds later in the year.

Paul Smith, a city staff member, briefed the council on the CDBG annual action plan. Paul said the city expects grant funding “just shy of $500,000,” with program income from loan repayments projected at about $100,000. The plan spreads funds across housing rehabilitation, capital outlay and public infrastructure improvements, public services and administration. The council approved the consolidated housing and community development 2025–26 annual action plan by roll call.

Council acti…