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Winchester council approves FY 2026 appropriation ordinance after public hearing
Summary
The Winchester City Council approved the FY 2026 appropriation ordinance at second reading on May 13 after a brief public hearing; the all-funds budget rose roughly 0.8% overall and the city projects an unassigned fund balance of about 26.8%, above the 25% guideline.
The Winchester City Council voted to approve the city's FY 2026 appropriation ordinance at second reading on May 13, following a short public hearing and staff presentation.
City Manager Dan reviewed the budget process, noting that directors began work in November and the council discussed the draft during a January retreat and nearly a dozen public meetings. He said revenue estimates changed only slightly and that the city used some fund balance and minor revenue adjustments to resolve outstanding items. The presentation showed an all-funds increase of roughly 0.8% (about 1.1% on the city side when capital is included) and indicated school revenues were down $200,000 from other sources, not from the city.
A councillor asked where the city's projected fund balance stood against the target range; staff replied the projection is about 26.8% at year end, above the 25% threshold in the policy.
After the public hearing, Councillor Beach moved to approve the ordinance; Councillor Fox seconded. The clerk called the roll: Councillors Bell, Mayor Beach, Dittum, Sloane, Fox, Hertzberg and Osterholm voted in favor and the motion carried.
The ordinance approved at second reading authorizes appropriation of funds to support city operations and capital projects for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. City staff said the budget reflects small revenue shifts and use of fund balance for specific items, including partial funding for a sheriff's vehicle and other directed adjustments made after the first reading.
The council's action finalizes the appropriation for the coming fiscal year; staff indicated they would incorporate the action into financial statements and continue to monitor revenues and reserves.
