Mayor introduces 2018 general fund budget; council refers it for further review

Mayor Payne formally introduced the City of Superior’s 2018 general fund budget and Finance Director Chris Bronson provided a slide presentation describing the budget timeline, highlights and fiscal assumptions.

Bronson outlined key dates and said the budget must be approved by Oct. 3 to meet statutory deadlines and that a public hearing is planned for Nov. 7. He described a priority‑based process that began with council‑identified priorities and directed department heads to prepare budgets in that context. Bronson said staff eliminated an initial $400,000 projected deficit and included a 2% salary increase for eligible non‑union employees, a $50,000 transfer to a Neighborhood Improvement Fund and a $37,000 contingency. He also told the council the city plans to transfer $600,000 from the oil pipeline terminal tax into the general fund to address a $314,000 reduction in railroad terminal tax calculations.

Mayor Payne emphasized there is “no increase in the general fund, the levy for debt service or operations for 2018,” and framed the budget as investing in neighborhood value and public safety while maintaining fiscal stability. Councilors asked for clarification on revenue trends, the share of the budget that comes from property taxes and whether council members are eligible for the 2% increase; staff answered that shared revenue has been flat and that the 2% does not include city council.

After discussion, Councilor Sweeney moved and Councilor Fennessy seconded a motion to refer the budget to the council’s next meeting (scheduled for Sept. 19) so members and the public have additional time to review and propose amendments; the motion carried by voice vote.