Murray Council adopts tentative 2025–26 budget, schedules public hearing

The Murray City Council voted 4–1 on May 13 to adopt a tentative budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and to schedule a public hearing on June 3 before the final budget is adopted.

Finance Director Brenda Moore told the council the tentative budget balances the general fund without drawing down reserves, relies on a 0.2 tax element and assumes a 5% property‑tax revenue increase. Moore said the maximum tax increase would be about $23 on a $520,000 home if there is zero revenue growth; she also noted Murray historically has at least 1% growth. The tentative plan includes a 2.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for employees, funds three new full‑time positions (a police lieutenant, a wastewater technician and an arborist in the power fund), and continues funding for the STEP pay program.

Moore reviewed the capital and enterprise funds: the capital projects fund uses significant reserves for planned projects; the power fund expects $7.3 million in capital spending and additional bond proceeds; the water and wastewater funds will use reserves for large projects already planned. Notable CIP items called out in the presentation included $18 million of CIP projects, $3.2 million for fire equipment and $750,000 for police equipment; the budget also carries forward $750,000 for the Murray Theater project.

Council members asked questions about RDA allocations, the potential to add RDA-funded art in the Murray City Center District, and revenue assumptions. One council member said they would vote no because they were uncomfortable approving a tax increase before final revenue growth numbers are confirmed. The council approved the tentative budget and scheduled the public hearing; the truth‑in‑taxation timeline was discussed for early August pending county scheduling.