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Stonecrest council adopts $36.6 million FY2026 budget on 3–2 vote
Summary
The Stonecrest City Council adopted a $36.6 million fiscal year 2026 budget after a contentious vote that split the council 3–2. The budget funds a $19.1 million general fund, capital projects including $3 million for street resurfacing and identified funding for a botanical garden.
The Stonecrest City Council adopted a $36,600,000 fiscal year 2026 operating and capital budget in a 3–2 vote on Nov. 24, 2025.
City Manager said the recommended budget includes a $19,100,000 general fund and represents “about a 9% increase over the 2025 amended budget.” The manager highlighted capital investments including $3,000,000 for street resurfacing, $1,000,000 for sidewalks (design and construction), $3,800,000 for parks, and $2,100,000 for the city center.
The manager also described staffing and service priorities that shaped the proposal: a 5% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, planned cybersecurity and audio-visual upgrades, outsourcing for some information-technology functions, continued use of contractors for the city engineer position until a full-time hire, and a separate municipal court fund to capture court-related professional services.
Council discussion focused on remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations, the status of the city’s 2022 audit, and whether legal services or IT should be brought in-house. On ARPA, a council member noted that all ARPA funds have been allocated per the federal spending schedule, and a staff slide referenced approximately $2.8 million remaining to be spent under current allocations.
When the resolution to adopt the budget was called, the roll call produced: District 1 — Nay; District 2 — Aye; District 3 — Nay; District 4 — Aye; District 5 — Aye, resulting in a 3–2 approval.
The manager said the city will publish the official budget book, including the transmittal letter, after council action. The council also heard that staff will present a proposed fee schedule in January and will post project status updates (including the botanical garden) on the city’s project portal.
Next steps: the budget is now adopted and staff will proceed with implementing the capital program and returning with fee-schedule recommendations and project reports.
