Raytown board adopts FY2026 budget with adjustments for ending ARPA funds
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Summary
The Raytown Board of Aldermen on Oct. 7 approved the fiscal year 2026 budget, adopting several line‑item adjustments — including small increases to audit and banking fees, money for ADA website compliance and a $45,000 lobbyist allocation — and noting the budget reflects the end of one‑time ARPA funding.
The Raytown Board of Aldermen on Oct. 7 adopted the city's fiscal year 2026 budget after a staff presentation outlining several updates and a projected shortfall tied to the end of one‑time federal pandemic funds.
Miss Seager, a city staff member who presented the plan, told the board the printed budget book did not reflect five changes: a $1,000 increase for audit fees; $1,500 added to capital sales banking fees; $5,000 for ADA website compliance; a $45,000 lobbyist fee; and a $145,822 personnel adjustment to correct overtime accounting errors. "This isn't just one department's overtime," she said. "This is through the entire city." Michael Graham, the finance director, was cited in the presentation as working closely on the figures.
Seager said revenues and expenditures both fall in the FY2026 budget compared with the previous year largely because American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that supported earlier budgets have been spent. She said the city ended the prior year with roughly $972,000 in surplus, which will offset a projected FY2026 deficit of about $937,000. Staff said the reserve balance has grown since 2022 and that the city plans to pursue efficiency measures, increased in‑house project work, lobbying for external funds and economic development to restore longer‑term balance. "We want to keep a nice healthy rainy day emergency fund balance," Seager said.
Board members asked for metrics to measure budget success; Seager said staff will meet with Arbel Consulting to set parameters and report back. Several aldermen pressed for details on the lobbyist arrangement; Seager said the city has a temporary lobbyist in place and will issue an RFQ in November if the current contractor does not perform. She also confirmed the city will present any lobbyist contract to the board for approval.
After the discussion, Alderman Mims moved to approve the budget as presented with the updated information; Alderman Emerson seconded. The board approved the resolution by roll-call vote with all recorded members voting yes.
The budget adoption resolution is effective immediately and staff said they will return with performance metrics and follow‑up items as the fiscal year proceeds.
