Gunnison council previews FY 2026–27 budget; considers small utility and sanitation fee increases

Gunnison — City Administrator Dennis Marker presented a draft FY 2026–27 budget at the April 15 meeting, telling the council there is currently no plan for a property‑tax increase but that smaller fee adjustments are being discussed to meet service and capital needs.

Marker said the draft contemplates a possible $2 monthly utility fee to support dispatch services and a $1.50–$2 increase in sanitation charges to offset rising fuel costs. Major planned projects that rely on grant funding include an Innovation Park expansion and a Sport Court project. The council also discussed long-term needs such as installing an elevator at city hall and future pool roof repairs.

Police-department budget details were presented by Gary Keddington, who said no vehicle purchase is budgeted this year; staff instead intends to begin a vehicle reserve account seeded with $33,000. Marker noted departmental budget increases related to insurance and training. In staff announcements, Marker congratulated Valerie Andersen on receiving her Certified Municipal Clerk certification and noted a corresponding 3% wage increase.

Marker also reported that the city identified 13 underbilled accounts from 2023–24; the correctional facility among them has agreed to pay nearly $100,000, and the council consented to consider using some of that unanticipated revenue to purchase a new utility truck for Public Works.

Council members asked questions and discussed priorities but did not adopt a final budget at the meeting. The budget process will continue in follow-up meetings as staff refines cost estimates and identifies funding sources.