Wellsville council approves tentative 2026–27 interim budget; staff outline pay increases, capital projects and water priorities

The Wellsville City Council approved a tentative 2026–27 interim budget for all funds on May 20 and staff presented detailed line items and priorities the council will address in coming months.

Scott (speaker 1), who led the budget presentation, described personnel proposals that include a 2.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment and a 2% merit increase for full‑time employees and a 3% increase for part‑time staff. "We are requesting a 2.5% cost of living increase, and then a 2% pay increase for the employees," Scott said while walking the council through pay and benefits assumptions. He also proposed raising council quarterly pay by $55 to $500 and keeping the $75 quarterly travel allowance.

Major capital items described in the presentation included reconstruction of the tennis courts (a roughly $200,000 project partially supported by a ~$100,000 grant), a public‑works office parking lot, road projects for 2026 (chip and seal), slurry sealing of the dam trail, a salt building addition, and equipment purchases such as a Kubota Mini X for public works.

On wastewater infrastructure, Scott said the city plans to replace rotted concrete between sewer cell 2 and 3 and to add a pump so cell 4 effluent can be routed through the city's UV disinfection system; doing so would allow treated water to be land‑applied or discharged per state requirements. Council members called the sewer work a necessary long‑term repair.

Staff also outlined water‑system needs tied to potential near‑term growth. Several project proposals in the pipeline — including Bridle Path (29 homes), Blackham property (up to 40 homes on 50 acres), and other plats — could substantially increase demand. Scott said annexing developers would be asked to bring water or pay a fee‑in‑lieu (his working valuation: $4,500 per acre‑foot) and that the city is appraising potential tank sites up the hill to improve pressure and serve future neighborhoods.

Nut graf: By approving the tentative budget, the council set spending priorities and opened the next phase of public review and hearings. Several items — the tax rate, final contract terms for law enforcement, specific grant acceptance and the exact scope and funding plan for new water storage — will return for council action after further staff work and public notice.

What comes next: staff will prepare final figures, contract numbers for the sheriff's office and detailed contract language for the planned planner position; residents will have an opportunity to comment at the Aug. 19 tax hearing and in subsequent budget hearings before the council adopts a final 2026–27 budget.