Kirksville council approves first reading of proposed $59.6 million 2026 budget; amendment to 2025 budget also approved

The Kirksville City Council approved on first reading the city’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget after a public hearing and a presentation by Finance Director Lacey King.

“This year, our budget has aggregate expenditures of $59,588,578,” King told the council, outlining the budget’s major components and explaining required disclosures under Missouri law. King said utilities account for about 24% of expenditures, emergency services 18%, public works 16% and that infrastructure and capital replacement total $19,890,000 — roughly 33% of the proposal.

King also described the required comparative figures included in the document and a related amendment to the current year’s budget. “The original budget for 2025 was $61,482,006.55,” she said, and identified adjustments to reflect projects shifted into 2026 and grant-related timing changes. The amendment was presented to ensure projects delayed by materials or engineering needs are covered in next year’s budget.

The council voted to approve the 2026 budget ordinance on first reading and scheduled a second reading and final action for the Dec. 15, 2025 council meeting. Council also voted to approve the 2025 budget amendment on first and second readings during the same meeting.

Why it matters: the budget sets spending priorities for utilities, emergency services, streets, public recreation and capital projects that affect infrastructure, staffing and service levels across Kirksville. The second reading will be the next opportunity for formal public comment before final adoption.

The council moved on to other business following the budget actions. The second reading of the 2026 budget ordinance is scheduled for Dec. 15, 2025.