Aberdeen city manager previews larger budget, $90 million wastewater project and CIP priorities

City Manager Robin told the City of Aberdeen council the draft 2026 budget and capital improvement plan show significant growth in project spending while general-fund operations remain comparatively steady. "'23 actual total budget was 69,000,000 and some change. 2024 was a 100,000,000 and some change. 2025, 136,000,000 and some change. And this year, a 178,000,000,'" Robin said, urging members to review the packet before next week’s work session.

Robin said the apparent jump reflects capital projects under contract or expected to be under contract by year’s end, not a broad expansion of city operations. He flagged several large investments that will affect debt capacity and planning, including a proposed $90 million wastewater facility, water tower and transmission-line work and a public works facility bid coming soon. "Those are eye-popping numbers," Robin said, adding staff will present debt-service details in the next meeting.

On utilities and maintenance, Robin and public-works staff described continued sanitary-sewer lining and manhole improvements to avoid full street reconstruction, and noted filter and valve repairs at the water-treatment plant that have contributed to occasional turbidity notices. Robin emphasized the goal of keeping service compliant while limiting disruption and managing long-term costs.

Robin asked councilmembers to review the budget and return questions at the work session next week; Jordan confirmed the draft will be posted online by the end of the day for review. No formal budget votes were taken; the item was presented for council review and follow-up.