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Council approves first reading of FY2027 budget and clears several first‑reading ordinances on utility and service rates
Summary
On first reading the council approved the proposed FY2027 city budget, approved rate increases for outside water/sewer customers and trash collection changes, and added a consumption‑only liquor license to city code; the council also accepted MoDOT safety grants and approved engineering task agreements.
On first reading the Belton City Council approved the proposed FY2027 budget and several ordinances affecting rates, fees and city programs.
City staff presented highlights of the FY2027 proposal: an estimated 3% increase in sales tax revenue, COLA and step increases of 2.5% each, a projected 3–3.5% increase in water and solid‑waste costs (driven in part by wholesale supplier increases), a 5% estimated rise in benefit costs and a planned $1 million AMI water capital rollover. Staff added budget items including a $70,000 baseball feasibility study and $30,000–$35,000 in economic development capital for wayfinding and a citizen survey. Staff said cash and prior bond proceeds will cover many capital rollovers and that updated budget documents would be distributed before second reading.
Council approved first reading of bill 2026‑05 to raise outside‑city water rates (residential outside from $144 to $158 per 100 units; wholesale from $0.75 to $0.83) and outside sewer fees (from $2.25 to $2.36 per 100 units). Staff indicated only a small number of outside customers, limiting the immediate revenue impact.
Council also approved first reading of bill 2026‑06 to pass through a 3.5% GFL solid‑waste contract increase to customers (monthly residential charge from $21.27 to $22.01; additional cart charges from $6 to $8 per cart). Council noted that the additional cart fee applies only to households with more than one cart.
On licensing, council approved first reading of bill 2026‑09 to add a consumption‑only liquor license—effectively a legal BYOB option for premises that offer food, beverage or entertainment but do not sell alcohol. Staff estimated the combined state and city fee near $150.
Other actions: Council accepted Missouri Department of Transportation highway‑safety grants totaling $40,939 for impaired‑driving enforcement and special‑enforcement overtime and approved two Wilson & Company task agreements for environmental and bridge inspection services for roadway projects.
These matters were advanced on first reading or approved per council procedure; several items will return for final readings or additional approvals as required.
