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Council reviews proposed 2026 budget language as staff plans $1.3M capital-reserve transfer
Summary
Finance staff told council the proposed 2026 budget moves $1.3 million from the general fund into a capital reserve to avoid running the reserve to zero each year; council asked that the narrative and tax/fine breakdowns be made clearer in the published budget document.
Finance staff presented the proposed 2026 budget and said the borough routinely runs the capital fund to zero each year. To create a sustainable balance for grant-matching and emergency capital needs, staff said they plan to transfer $1,300,000 from the general fund into the capital reserve at the start of the year. "We are planning to move 1,300,000.0 over, to start building that fund up to to have our standard there in our capital reserve," a staff member said.
Council questions focused on clarity in the budget narrative and the presentation of tax categories. Members asked that the document clearly state timing (the budget takes effect on the first day of the year) and that separate taxes (for example, local earned-income tax and local services tax) be listed distinctly rather than grouped, to make it easier for residents to understand revenue sources. A member also asked whether the fine-and-forfeiture revenue could be broken out by source and percentage; staff said the amounts vary by violation and there is no single standard portion.
Next steps: Council asked staff to revise the budget narrative and include clearer breakdowns for residents who will read the published document; no formal vote on the budget occurred at the pre-meeting.
