Caro City Council reviews proposed FY 2026–27 budget; police and fire spending among priorities

The City of Caro City Council convened a budget workshop on May 12, 2026 (the minutes note May 11 in the call-to-order text) to review the proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget and departmental requests. Mayor Karen Snider opened the meeting and the minutes record that council members Emily Campbell, Charlotte Kish, Doreen Oedy, Heidi Parker and Jill White were present; John Riley was listed as absent. City Manager Scott Czasak, City Clerk Rita Papp and City Treasurer Tammy Ries were listed among staff in attendance.

Police Chief Brian Newcomb presented the police department’s line items under review, which the minutes list as uniforms and equipment, wages, contracted repairs, police technology and capital outlay. Fire Chief Randy Heckroth presented the fire department’s items listed as wages, volunteer firefighter pay and capital outlay. The minutes record these categories as topics for discussion but do not include proposed dollar amounts, specific staffing changes or recommended funding levels.

Council and staff reviewed several general fund departmental requests. Items recorded in the minutes include council education and training; manager education and office supplies; treasurer printing/publications and technology; assessor contracted services; clerk office supplies, technology and telephone; and election office supplies and capital outlay. Additional departmental items listed for review included code enforcement (contracted services, training, travel), planning contracted services and a transfer to the Economic Development Corporation. The minutes do not document motions, votes or decisions on specific funding allocations.

The workshop record shows no public comments and no formal votes; the minutes state the workshop adjourned at 7:11 p.m. The minutes provide a categorical review of budget line items to guide further work but do not specify next steps, timelines or dollar amounts in the document.