Smithville adopts fiscal year 2026 operating budget

The Smithville Board of Aldermen adopted the city's fiscal year 2026 operating budget on a 6-0 vote. Alderman Atkins moved to approve bill 3081-25 on second reading; the motion was seconded and the roll call recorded Aldermen Hartman, Kabilski, Wilson, Dana, Atkins and Stone as voting yes.

The city administrator, Miss Wagner, told the board that, if the budget cleared tonight, the administration would post information about a change to the employee retirement system and bring that change back for action on Dec. 16 to take effect after the start of the new year. She also noted a services agreement with the law firm Williams & Campo is scheduled for the Nov. 4 meeting after a committee of department directors and the mayor interviewed firms and recommended that firm.

Council members did not amend the budget at the meeting. The ordinance was read as: "An ordinance adopting the fiscal year 2026 annual operating budget for the city of Smithville, Missouri and authorizing the expenditures of funds for municipal services." The council's action authorizes the city's planned expenditures and directs staff to implement the budget and return with any required administrative items noted by staff.

The budget vote followed updates from staff on ongoing projects and personnel: the city confirmed a water treatment plant manager certification transfer to Missouri for Brandon Green, and public works described imminent work on Commercial Avenue under a surety-arranged contractor. The board also approved related routine financial and procurement items during the meeting.

The budget ordinance (bill 3081-25) passed by roll call. Further administrative steps tied to the budget, including a retirement-system change to be considered Dec. 16, were announced by city staff.