Council holds first reading of 2026 appropriations; members urged to review auditor’s detailed report

Councilman Greg Eads introduced Ordinance 188-25, the first reading of the appropriations ordinance for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2026, and urged colleagues to review the auditor’s detailed report before taking action.

"I would not suggest that we move forward with this tonight because I want to make sure everybody has a chance to look at that and come back with some very specific questions," Councilman Greg Eads said.

The ordinance submitted for first reading shows a proposed overall spending increase of 6.9 percent. Eads and the auditor identified the largest drivers: a negotiated 4 percent salary increase for city employees and a 6 percent rise in health insurance costs. Council members discussed several additional line items called out by staff.

Key items noted in the discussion:

- Salaries: 4 percent negotiated increase (reflected in the draft budget). - Health insurance: 6 percent increase for plan year. - Police department: a new funding line in the draft budget of approximately $259,000 for the year. - 4th Street courthouse project: an anticipated city share of about $93,000 (may span two years). - Events line: a proposed new line of $40,000, including funds for a temporary stage for community events. - Sanitation transfer increase: staff indicated an increase of roughly $200,000 for transfers related to trash processing. - Truck lease: a lease payment in the draft budget of approximately $133,000.

The auditor provided further detail on professional services and payroll lines. "Benefits is the platform we’re going to be using for open enrollment in our insurance elections," the auditor said, and she confirmed payroll services with ADP have a contracted line of about $75,000. She also identified HR contract work (listed as $51,000) and an ADP benefits platform line of roughly $11,000. The budget also includes a new ADP recruiting feature intended to streamline applications and background checks.

Council members were encouraged to submit follow-up questions to the auditor by email or at the next meeting; staff noted that some items — especially those tied to outside projects and legal review — may require additional committee work and time for the law director’s office to prepare materials. The ordinance remains at first reading; no final action was taken.

Next steps: Council members agreed to examine the auditor’s more detailed line‑by‑line expense report and to revisit the ordinance after committee review and any requested clarifications are provided.