City Manager Alan Archer told the City Council that he submitted a recommended FY2027'031 Capital Improvement Plan on Oct. 28 that would fund roughly $1,100,000,000 in projects over five years across general and self-supported funds.

"The proposed plan totals approximately $1,100,000,000 over the 5 year period," Archer said, noting the plan includes projects financed by bonds, cash capital and grant funds across capital categories. He said council had already conducted two work sessions and that staff responded to project-specific questions; the manager said the goal is to bring the CIP forward for adoption at the council's Feb. 10, 2026 meeting.

Council members pressed staff for follow-up information. Councilman Long asked about Rausch Tower and the city's broader space-utilization planning for city buildings. Archer said a space-utilization study is underway but not yet complete, that remaining debt on Rausch Tower complicates alternative plans, and that consultants are working with staff to assess redefinition of the debt and site opportunities for delivering services.

Council members also asked whether the city should wait to modernize backup systems until a new chief information officer is hired; Archer said the modernization work can move forward with existing staff while the new hire would add expertise. Another council member asked how the city had funded construction of two high schools in 1996; Archer said staff would recreate records and suggested affordability and the city's debt position likely were factors.

Archer described next steps in the process: additional council discussion at the January council retreat if desired, and formal presentation and adoption at the regular February council meeting. Council members were invited to submit concerns over the holiday break so staff could incorporate them into the January planning and come to February with a comprehensive plan.

The city manager's presentation included an offer to present the space-utilization study when it is complete and to provide historical funding records for past school construction.