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Lowell council adopts FY2026 budget, approves routine amendments and hires new city manager
Summary
The Lowell City Council moved to adopt the FY2026 budget, approved multiple budget amendments and an audit contract, and unanimously approved the hiring of Tyler Cobb as city manager at $115,000 annually.
The City Council of Lowell moved to adopt the fiscal‑year 2026 budget after staff presented a package the council described as "conservative," with the tax rate unchanged and a 3% increase on utilities. City staff reported fund balances and said no tax rate increase was proposed; council members praised the budget while noting small adjustments were possible.
Council then considered a sequence of budget amendments. City staff (S16) presented amendment #15 (receipt of Interlocal Risk Financing funds for a replacement 2019 Dodge Charger), amendment #16 (move funds to the community investment fund per the budget ordinance and Resolution O7‑2023), and amendments #17–20 to recognize additional receipts and interest across funds. Each amendment was moved and approved by voice vote on the record.
The council approved a one‑year audit contract (an LGC requirement) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, following staff explanation of prior contract rates. The record shows motions, seconds and voice approvals for the audit contract.
Personnel action: after a closed session, S2 moved to approve employment of Tyler Cobb for the city manager position for the City of Lowell with immediate effect and an annual salary of $115,000 and to authorize the mayor pro tem to sign the contract. The motion passed on the record; minutes record the vote as unanimous.
Other routine approvals: a contract recommendation to re‑roof the community recreation center (packet contained three quotes; the selected low quote was recorded in the packet at approximately $114,900) was moved, seconded and approved on the record during the consent/contract portion of the meeting.
What happens next: The manager, once onboard, will assume administrative responsibilities and staff will bring any further budget implementation and monitoring items to future meetings. The audit contract and budget amendments will be reflected in the city’s financial statements and posted as required by state law.
Sources: Staff presentations and motions recorded during the public meeting; budget amendment numbers and audit contract described in public packet.
