Hot Springs board previews proposed 2026 budget ahead of Nov. 4 adoption vote

Finance Director Karen Scott presented the city manager’s proposed 2026 budget and recommended the Hot Springs Board of Directors adopt it at the major expense-category level, by fund. Scott said the city manager prepared and submitted the budget under Arkansas Code Annotated §14-47-126 and §14-47-125, and that the attached exhibits in the resolution reflect projected revenues, expenditures and authorized staffing levels.

Scott told the board the budget document sets staffing levels for full- and part-time positions in the authorized table of personnel and that schedule and exhibits of financial information will be attached to the resolution for board consideration. She said the figures are “as accurate as possible for budgetary purposes” and noted staff had held a work session the prior week to review the proposed document.

Board members were reminded that the formal vote to adopt the budget is scheduled for the board’s Nov. 4 regular meeting. No formal action or vote occurred at the agenda review. Scott encouraged directors to raise any remaining questions with her or City Manager Bill Burrow before the adoption vote.

The presentation cited state law requirements and the city’s financial policy for adoption at the major expense-category level; the packet will include the detailed exhibits and tables referenced in the presentation.