Mayor unveils FY2027 budget: no tax or water/sewer rate increase; investments in police pay, infrastructure and solar at Star Center

Mayor William T. Martin presented the administration's proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2027 on April 6, telling council members the draft would be posted online and detailing priorities that include public safety, human capital and infrastructure.

"This budget achieves that end by maintaining a sound physical foundation today to ensure a secure community tomorrow," Mayor Martin said as he read a cover letter that accompanied the hot-off-the-press draft budget handed to council minutes before the meeting.

Key features the mayor and administration highlighted:

- No proposed increase in the property tax rate or water/sewer rates for FY2027. - A $487,000 investment in police compensation aimed at improving recruitment and retention. - A $1,000,000 allocation for road, curb and sidewalk repairs and replacements. - Creation of a revised pay scale for water and sewer plant operators to bolster retention and career advancement. - A local government energy modernization grant just shy of $931,000 to fund energy-efficiency measures and a rooftop solar array for the Star Center; city staff estimated significant lifetime savings from the project and the mayor cited an expected annual operating savings figure presented by staff.

Director of Administration Dr. Ritchie told the council the grant would fund a solar installation and energy-efficiency measures at the Star Center and that the city estimates long-term savings; the administration will require an engineer's roof assessment before installing panels. Finance Director Abdi provided fund-balance context during director reports earlier in the agenda.

Mayor Martin framed the budget as maintaining services without raising rates by reallocating and negotiating expenditures, funding pensions differently to reduce volatility and pursuing grants and efficiencies to avoid passing costs to residents. He said additional budget details and a five-year capital improvement plan are included in the draft the council received.

Council will consider the proposed FY2027 budget in the coming weeks; the mayor said the document will be posted online by business hours on April 7 to allow public review and discussion.