Aldermen authorize RFP process for updated comprehensive plan, discuss $50,000 funding estimate

The Board of Aldermen voted to authorize staff to issue a request for proposals to update the City of Shrewsburys comprehensive plan after a presentation from the Planning Commission chair and discussion about cost and timing.

Katie relayed a letter from Anna Hishoff, the Planning Commission chair, asking the board to "pick up" the comprehensive plan and to fund professional services to finalize the document; the commission included a $50,000 estimate for the upcoming fiscal year. Board members said the citys last comprehensive plan dated to 1970 and that updated planning guidance could enable future economic opportunities if done well.

Members debated whether to budget the full $50,000 in the 2026 budget or to pursue a phased approach if the citys budget constraints required spreading the work over two or three years. Finance Director Dustin said he expected he could balance the capital plan by the end of 2026 and that $50,000 to $60,000 could be made available in 2026, but he also said delaying to 2027 would make meeting budget targets easier. The board voted to issue an RFP; issuing the RFP does not commit the city to a contract or immediate spending and staff were directed to adjust the budget as needed depending on proposals received.

The board emphasized that an RFP would allow the city to solicit firms that could propose phased approaches and to provide precise estimates before any funding commitment.