Council places FY26 appropriations ordinance on file after budget discussion

The Huddleston City Council voted to place the FY26 appropriations ordinance on file and discussed the drivers behind a large year-over-year increase in appropriations. Mayor (Speaker 2) presented the ordinance and staff outlined fiscal numbers: one speaker said total appropriations rose from a little over $18 million last year to more than $43 million in the proposed FY26 ordinance, with approximately $26 million tied to the wastewater treatment plant fund and capital expenditures cited in the $11 million range. Councilmembers noted a projected change in the general fund balance of about negative $300,000 and discussed whether specific areas such as ambulance service and the municipal pool would need further review.

Staff (Speaker 3) reminded council that the ordinance must be on file with the clerk for publication this Friday and that the public hearing is scheduled to run 10 days before the hearing; the ordinance must be finalized at the council meeting on the first meeting following the hearing unless a special meeting is called. After discussion, a motion to place the appropriations ordinance on file passed by roll call. Council asked staff to return with any recommended adjustments prior to final adoption.