Georgetown council holds first reading of $86.5 million FY2026-27 budget, discusses lease and EMS costs

Council held the first reading of the city—Y2026-27 budget ordinance on June 1, 2026, introducing a spending plan that lists total city revenues of $72,822,444 and total city expenditures of $86,498,734.

Finance Director Stacy Clark walked members through several changes between the presentation and first reading, including moving vehicle lease payments from department lines to the debt-service account and adding lease payments for a ladder truck purchased last year. The ladder-truck leases increase debt service by about $364,000 annually, roughly $30,000 per month, Clark said.

Council also discussed a proposed EMS training/reimbursement position with an annual cost of $125,000, described in the presentation as a training officer that would be reimbursed under a memorandum of agreement with the National Guard. Clark said the county expects reimbursement; if the grant or reimbursement does not materialize, the county will not add the position. Council members asked for clarification about the position nd whether the cost would be offset by a future revenue line if reimbursement is confirmed.

To help balance the budget, the finance director increased the property-tax growth projection from 4% to 7%, which added an estimated $122,647 in revenue. Clark also adjusted franchise-fee and service-billing estimates (including a $50,000 adjustment to franchise fees and a $40,000 increase in billings for SRO services to the school district) and reviewed prior-year reserves that would be used to cover a modest operating shortfall.

Council introduced the ordinance by reading its summary into the record; the document was made available at the city clerk—ile and on the city website. The budget ordinance was read for the first time June 1 and will return for additional readings and formal adoption according to the city—alendar. The ordinance text includes line-item references and an exhibit of revenues and expenditures; staff said subsequent adjustments may appear in upcoming budget amendments if reimbursement or grant funding changes.

Next steps: Council will hold subsequent readings and budget deliberations at future meetings; staff flagged that some items (interlocal cost adjustments and a possible grant-funded EMS position) could prompt near-term amendments.