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Norman holds second public hearing on FYE 2027 proposed $302M budget; council and residents press for clarity on debt and insurance costs
Summary
Finance Director Clint Mercer presented the city manager's proposed FYE 2027 budget (roughly $301.7M revenue; public safety largest expense). Council and public commenters pressed staff on debt‑service limits, a projected $3M risk‑management shortfall for FY27 and impact‑fee timing; council set final adoption for June 9, 2026.
Clint Mercer, the city’s finance director, presented the City Manager’s proposed fiscal year ending 2027 operating and capital budget in a second public hearing, describing high‑level revenues and expenditures and a timetable for final council action in June.
Mercer told the council the proposed budget projects roughly $301.7 million in total revenues, with sales taxes accounting for about a third of that and the general fund budgeted at about $113.5 million. On the expenditure side, public safety is the largest category, representing about 23% of total expenditures; police and fire are the largest line items on the general‑fund expense side.
Council members and members of the public used the hearing to press staff on several fiscal pressures. Ward 2 Councilmember Mayumi Windler asked whether the city has limits on debt service after noting it currently accounts for about 4.4% of expenses; Mercer said there are statutory limits tied to certain bond types but emphasized market capacity and borrowing costs will drive feasible debt levels.
Councilmember and other speakers flagged risk‑management and health‑care costs for city employees. Mercer told the council the city projects a roughly $2 million subsidy for FY26 and is projecting approximately a $3 million deficit for the risk‑management fund in FY27; staff said they are negotiating with employee unions and reviewing premium and plan options to reduce costs.
Public commenters pressed for faster action on stormwater fees and impact fees tied to new development; resident Steve Ellis urged the council to review the Raftelis consultant report on impact fees before finalizing the budget so that revenue options that pay for infrastructure—such as rain gardens—can be considered.
After public comments and council questions, the council closed the hearing by unanimous vote and confirmed the schedule to consider final adoption of the FYE 2027 budget on June 9, 2026, at 2 p.m. in council chambers; the meeting will be livestreamed on the City of Norman YouTube channel.
The hearing produced no immediate amendments; staff said they may schedule a study session on June 2 if council members request more time.
