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Monroe council adopts 2026 property tax levy and mid‑biennial budget; fleet purchase debate leaves contingency questions
Summary
Council adopted the 2026 property tax levy and the mayors mid‑biennial budget adjustments while debating four fleet‑funding alternatives. Staff estimated completed police vehicles at about $90,000 each and a year delay could add roughly $8,000 per vehicle; a council motion to reallocate contingency to fully fund vehicles failed.
Monroe City Council approved the mayors recommended mid‑biennial budget adjustments and adopted the 2026 property tax levy on Nov. 18, 2025, while engaging in extended debate about options for funding scheduled fleet vehicle replacements.
Finance staff summarized the mayors proposal to meet policy reserve targets (a 17% general fund reserve target and an 8% contingency goal) using a combination of REIT funding, contingency (about $1.7M planned usage) and budget modifications to reach a $3.7M target. The recommended package includes holding four general fund positions vacant through year‑end and trimming contractor and travel budgets.
Council then discussed four alternatives for vehicle replacement funding: 1) delay replacement of 12 police vehicles by one year (included in the mayors proposal), 2) reevaluate purchases during the 2026 budget process, 3) use contingency to fund vehicles as budgeted (leaving contingency at about $91,000), or 4) postpone general fund vehicle replacement for four years. Staff said a completed police vehicle with upfits is estimated at about $90,000; if purchases are delayed the per‑vehicle cost could rise by an estimated $8,000.
Council members split on risk tolerances: some prioritized preserving contingency for unexpected operations, while others sought to prioritize vehicle readiness given long manufacturer lead times and service impacts. A separate motion that would have committed contingency to fully fund fleet purchases (option 3) failed on a recorded vote with five council members opposed.
Separately, council approved second reading and adoption of Ordinance 027/2025 fixing the 2026 property tax levy (vote 7–0). The budget adjustment ordinance was advanced per the calendar; staff will return with any directed adjustments and, if council directs, proposed amendments to incorporate different fleet decisions.
Key figures mentioned at the meeting included the citys $348,000 contingency balance under the mayors proposal, the $3.7M modification target, and the approximately $90,000 completed vehicle cost estimate (with an approximate $8,000 premium if delayed).
