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Del City opens public hearing on FY2026–27 budget; staff details revenue and personnel plans
Summary
City staff opened the public hearing on the FY2026–27 budget, projecting about $9.1M in general‑fund revenues, proposing several personnel additions (economic development coordinator, maintenance positions, an additional dispatcher), and outlining a planned $1M transfer from MSA to the general fund to maintain operations.
Del City staff opened the public hearing on the fiscal year 2026–27 budget on May 18 and presented revenue projections and proposed personnel and program changes.
City manager JD Hawk summarized the financial approach used for projections (three‑year averaging) and told the council the general fund projection is approximately $9.1 million. He said staff anticipates transferring $1 million from municipal service authority (MSA) funds into the general fund to help balance operations and cover essential services while the council continues efforts to reduce reliance on that transfer in future years.
Hawk highlighted medical‑insurance cost increases (personnel medical cost assumption raised from $15,000 to $17,500 per employee) and a projected total insurance transfer of roughly $1.855 million. He also described planned personnel actions: an activity/events coordinator in economic development (to assist grant work and events), a funded maintenance position for water/wastewater operations and additional staffing to bring water/sewer line teams up to seven employees each, and an additional police position with the net sworn level increasing toward 40 officers (39 sworn plus chief if funded). The manager said those additions are included in the current proposal and noted that some positions may be implemented as contracted or part‑time depending on council direction.
Council members discussed options for part‑time roles versus full‑time hires, the pension and benefits impacts on total compensation, and alternatives such as overtime management. Staff said capital outlay funds from utility bills are earmarked for infrastructure replacement (water and sewer line materials) rather than wages. Hawk also noted a new full‑time stormwater administrator position to focus on MS4 compliance and drainage projects; funding will be a combination of the drainage fee and MSA transfers.
Why it matters: The public hearing is the formal forum to review and debate the city’s operating plan for the coming fiscal year. The proposed budget affects staffing levels, public‑safety capacity and timing for capital projects such as stormwater and park improvements.
What’s next: Council closed the public hearing and will consider adoption of the budget at a future meeting after staff finalizes audit results and any adjustments requested by council.
