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City manager presents FY2027 budget with no tax‑rate increase; council praises capital and staffing moves
Summary
City Manager Miss Bradlin presented the administrative recommended FY2027 budget that proposes no city tax‑rate or trash fee increases, a 2% base salary recommendation (funded), targeted staff changes, and capital and infrastructure projects; public hearing on the appropriation ordinance is April 28.
City Manager Miss Bradlin presented Bristol’s administrative recommended budget for fiscal year 2027 at the April 14 council meeting, saying the proposal seeks revenue growth without raising the city’s real‑estate tax rate or trash collection fee.
"I'm pleased to inform council that this recommended budget includes no tax rate increases for 2027," Miss Bradlin said. The recommended general‑fund totals and fund breakdowns were presented to council; staff described a focus on capital needs, targeted staffing adjustments and continued monitoring of landfill‑related costs. The recommended budget includes a 2% salary increase in alignment with potential state increases and incorporates federal grants that require local match for police and collection vehicles.
Key items highlighted in the presentation included: an administrative general fund recommendation (figures presented to council in the budget book), planned locally funded capital projects (including bridge repairs and a radio upgrade), a fleet replacement plan (police vehicles, a vacuum truck, side loader and other collection vehicles), and an allocation for tourism promotion. The presentation also addressed DEQ funding spenddown for landfill projects (state funding included in the capital plan).
Staff explained staffing changes in the recommended budget: roughly 7.26 net full‑time equivalent positions are added (including a city attorney position moved or funded separately, a dedicated CFO role, part‑time police positions for downtown coverage, a part‑time crime prevention officer and a code enforcement inspector) while several vacant positions were removed with funding retained to address salary competitiveness in public works.
Council members responded positively to the absence of a tax increase and to capital priorities. Councilmember Farnum said the city’s progress on debt reduction and capital planning gives room to make future tax reductions; others noted investments in sidewalks, bridges and fleet vehicles. Miss Bradlin reminded the public of the timetable: the appropriation ordinance public hearing is April 28, first reading May 12 and adoption May 26.
What happens next: the budget will be advertised and go to a public hearing April 28; changes may be considered after that hearing and before first reading.
