Clinton council adopts FY 2026–27 tentative budget; directs staff to study fire truck funding and transportation-fee options

The Clinton City Council on May 12 adopted the city’s FY 2026–27 tentative budget and directed staff to prepare additional scenarios for funding a fire truck and to begin analysis of a possible transportation utility fee, voting 4–1.

City Manager Trevor Cahoon presented the budget and said it was prepared "without a proposed property tax increase and instead relied on $440,151 from fund balance to balance ongoing operations." He told the Council that recurring revenues were not keeping pace with inflation and that the city had "reduced or deferred approximately $1 million in capital projects, operational expenditures, and other requests" to preserve services. Cahoon also stated staffing costs account for "approximately 60% of the City’s operational expenditures," a point the Council cited when discussing long-term options.

During the public hearing, resident Brandon Stanger recommended continued investments in decorative lighting and planter boxes along 1500 West and 1800 North and suggested an "Adopt-a-Planter" maintenance program; he also urged the Council to "consider a property tax increase rather than continue deferring capital projects and operational funding." Another resident, Greg Allen, told the Council that "delaying capital improvements and operational expenditures would create greater financial challenges in future years due to inflation and increasing costs" and urged better public education on municipal taxes and services.

Councilmembers pressed staff for clarity on specific items. Councilmember Adam Larsen questioned whether the fire truck replacement payment had been removed from the proposed budget and discussed financing and lease options. Mayor Marie Dougherty and staff emphasized that using fund balance for capital purchases is generally preferable to using it for ongoing operational costs. Councilmember Dane Searle said he was concerned the City "was not moving aggressively enough to address long-term revenue needs" and worried the negative fiscal consequences of continued deferral could outweigh the immediate impact of revenue measures on residents.

After discussion, Councilmember Jennifer Christensen moved (and subsequently amended) to adopt the tentative budget in its current form, direct staff to provide additional scenarios related to fire truck funding and to begin review of a transportation utility fee, and set the final public hearing for June 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Councilmember Chris Danson seconded the amended motion. Voting by roll call was Christensen, aye; Larsen, aye; Arave, aye; Searle, no; Danson, aye; the motion carried 4–1.

Votes at a glance: - Adopt FY 2026–27 Tentative Budget; direct staff for fire-truck scenarios and transportation-fee review; set final hearing for June 16, 2026 — Moved: Councilmember Jennifer Christensen; Second: Councilmember Chris Danson; Outcome: approved 4–1 (Searle opposed). (SEG 021–SEG 023) - Consent agenda (Declaration of Surplus Vehicles; Approval of Minutes – April 28, 2026; Approval of Accounts Payable – April 2026) — Moved: Councilmember Adam Larsen; Second: Councilmember Chris Danson; Outcome: approved unanimously. (SEG 024–SEG 028) - Motion to adjourn — Moved: Councilmember Jennifer Christensen; Second: Councilmember Dane Searle; Outcome: approved unanimously. (SEG 058–SEG 059)

The Council also discussed the need for better public outreach about municipal budgets and the mechanics of property taxation, and staff indicated they would return with more detailed options for the fire apparatus financing and the transportation utility fee analysis before the June 16 final budget hearing.