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Mayor and finance director outline proposed temporary budget and priorities
Summary
The mayor presented a proposed temporary budget with a flat general fund plan ($37,776,007), continued funding for public safety staffing, 23 miles of road resurfacing, 5 miles of water-main replacement and investments in parks and economic development.
The mayor delivered a high-level presentation of the city's proposed temporary budget (attached to Bill 25-179). She described the plan as balanced and noted the general fund spend proposed at $37,776,007. The administration said it used existing carryover and kept the general fund flat despite recently negotiated raises for AFSCME employees.
The mayor and Director/Dr. Converse outlined major spending areas: public works programs (water, sewer, streets, parks) total roughly $40 million outside the general fund; safety services (police, fire, 911 dispatch) total approximately $34 million; the general fund contributes significant support for public safety and represents 54% of general-fund usage in the presentation.
Quality-of-life and capital items highlighted include renovation of the historic Liberty Park Pavilion (partly grant-funded), continuing fireworks and special events funding, completion of the Parkview bike/pedestrian trail phases, and planning for a bike-truck extension along Trimble Road. Under roads and infrastructure, the administration plans to resurface about 23 miles of roads and replace about 5 miles of water mains next year. Wastewater treatment plant upgrades and Main Street improvement completion were also mentioned.
Public safety spending includes funding to support 91 police officers (an increase of four), maintain fire staffing at 93 and extend a drone-responder pilot project for another year. The administration also noted ongoing costs for full implementation of the CAD (computer-aided dispatch) system and continued investment in first-responder training supported by state grants.
Finance director Dr. Converse said the city uses a conservative revenue estimate (three-year average for income taxes) and continues to monitor encumbrances and revenue lines as budget preparation for next year continues.
Next steps: Council received the presentation; bill readings will proceed according to council schedule and the temporary budget will be refined before final adoption.
