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Northfield City Council weighs 2026 budget priorities, fire pumper and capital cuts
Summary
At a Feb. 26 budget workshop, CFO Stollenwerk presented options to use $125,000 from the CAP bank, proposed staffing and vehicle funding, and warned of potential Title 59 exposure; council polled to include a new fire pumper in the five-year plan and set the budget introduction for March 24.
CFO Stollenwerk outlined Northfield’s preliminary 2026 budget at the City Council’s Feb. 26 workshop, saying the town could draw $125,000 from its CAP bank and still face tight appropriations going forward.
CFO Stollenwerk said using $125,000 from the CAP bank would “leave $75,000 moving forward,” and described proposed line items including a 4% increase for non‑aligned employees, one new patrol officer with benefits, and a $1,000 community‑policing allocation. She also reallocated a fire‑truck maintenance request into a Fire vehicle line and increased equipment funding to reflect that change. “There was discussion regarding the asset management equipment at the last JIF meeting,” she said, and warned the council that “we may be eroding Title 59 immunity if issues are not addressed.”
The council spent much of the meeting prioritizing capital projects. Council members debated retaining pedestrian and bike‑path improvements and discussed slip‑lining and a previously proposed connection to Birch Grove Park. CFO Stollenwerk urged the council to choose a lump‑sum bond plan and noted smaller projects could be handled through annual capital so the municipality stays below a $5 million bond threshold.
Discussion of fleet and public‑safety equipment dominated later remarks. Fire Captain Nixon said the department’s pumper, a 1989 model, was “almost 40 years old” and estimated modern replacement costs at roughly $850,000–$900,000, higher than earlier estimates. Council President Bucci conducted a straw poll on adding the pumper to the 2026 plan; the informal poll favored inclusion, with Councilmen Polistina and Smith specifically supporting placement in 2026. The council also agreed to keep a deteriorating public‑works truck in the 2026 plan after Superintendent Boyd described ongoing mechanical and body issues.
On police vehicles, CFO Stollenwerk said capital purchasing rules limited buys to SUVs while Chief Pollak had quotes for three smaller SUVs that would fit patrol needs. The council discussed a proposed facility study requested by OEM at an estimated cost of about $15,000; BA/Clerk Canesi cautioned that recommended improvements could exceed available funds.
The ACUA solid‑waste contract, which expires April 30, received attention: CFO Stollenwerk said the town likely faces a substantial increase, and the council designated Councilmen Dewees, Notaro and Polistina to meet with ACUA representatives. Stollenwerk also announced the budget introduction would be scheduled for March 24 and that a previously planned March 19 meeting was not necessary.
Council President Bucci opened a five‑minute public‑comment period and, seeing no speakers, closed it. The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:02 p.m.
The workshop produced direction on priorities and an informal straw poll on the fire pumper; council members did not take a formal, recorded vote on any ordinance or bond during the session.
