Finance director outlines FY2027 budget proposal, proposes capital transfers and staff expansion

Mapleton — Finance Director Karen Ellis presented the city’s proposed FY2027 budget to council on May 13, previewing a budget calendar aimed at final adoption in June and listing key priorities and assumptions.

Ellis said the budget assumptions include a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment, implementation of the class-and-pay plan, funding for a new public works department to oversee the upcoming Cobb Department of Transportation contract, continuing right-of-way and beautification funding, and a capital-transfer (pay-as-you-go) target of roughly $3 million. The proposed capital transfers are earmarked for land acquisition, software implementation projects (finance and community development), and fleet replacement; the capital program included a $600,000 fleet replacement allocation.

The proposed FY27 operating budget includes an increase of approximately $870,000 from the prior budget while keeping conservative revenue assumptions (particularly for new insurance-premium tax receipts). Ellis said the city’s audited fund balance stood at about $7.8 million and projected an audited fund balance of roughly $12 million at the close of FY26; staff proposes to retain a rainy-day fund of 33% ($7.66M) and use roughly $4.4M for one-time items including capital transfers.

Ellis noted the city plans to expand authorized positions from 76 to 97, pending council adoption; that hiring would be phased and tied to the class-and-pay plan. Council discussed clarifying details for specific funds (tree/beautification, Six Flags special service district and public safety special service district) and asked staff to return details at future meetings. No budget vote was taken tonight; council will hold a public hearing on May 27 and adopt the budget on June 10.