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Council reviews $800,000 union‑driven budget increase and funds pavilion repairs for summer programs
Summary
Finance staff told council a recent union contract raised non‑uniform payroll from about $8.8 million to $9.6 million — an $800,000 increase — and members debated reallocating $500,000 (plus $43,000) to repair the Reservoir Park pavilion so summer youth programs can proceed; council moved the reallocation to the next legislative agenda.
City finance staff presented Resolution 18 of 2026 on March 17, describing a second proposed 2026 budget reallocation to cover contractual commitments and capital needs.
Finance Director Bob Cannick said Exhibit A shows the ratified 'ask me' union contract increases the approved non‑uniform payroll line from about $8.8 million to roughly $9.6 million, a budget increase on the order of $800,000. "So, the total increase that we're looking for for the budget about 800,000 dollars," Cannick said.
Exhibit B would reallocate funds within the capital projects fund to address the Reservoir Park pavilion renovation. Staff described moving $500,000 from an equipment line to buildings and structures and taking an additional $43,000 from neighborhood services supply accounts to reach the pavilion total cited in session (the transcript records a referenced total of $543,000). Director Dave West said the pavilion needs repairs to floors and structure to support summer programs and that the city waterproofed electrical boxes as a temporary safety measure; he also described purchasing a small sanitation packer to handle added recycling collections tied to city service obligations.
Council members pressed why the pavilion work was not budgeted earlier, requested a detailed scope of the pavilion upgrades, and asked about timing; Director West said full electrical work would wait until next year but waterproofing and expedited construction would allow programs to proceed and that a tent would serve as a short‑term backup if needed. President Hill moved to add Resolution 18 to the next legislative session agenda for a formal vote.
Why it matters: The ratified collective bargaining agreement has a measurable near‑term budget impact. The reallocation prioritizes a pavilion renovation to avoid disrupting youth summer programming but shifts money away from previously planned lighting work.
What’s next: Council advanced Resolution 18 to the next legislative session for a formal vote; staff said they will supply further details and timelines.
