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Council reviews FY2027 budget, debates $6,000 uniform rental plan and tax-rate options; no final vote
Summary
Council opened and closed a public hearing on the proposed FY2027 budget with no public comment, reviewed minor line-item corrections and a proposed public-works uniform rental ($6,000/year for three crew), debated raising revenue estimates and mill-rate implications, and directed staff to revise and return the budget for formal approval.
Councilmembers reviewed proposed adjustments to the FY2027 budget and debated funding options for a new uniform-rental line for public works, but took no final vote on the budget.
Staff described the changes as largely non-material corrections and introduced a new line-item for uniform rentals ($1,000) alongside a recommended uniform rental program for public works crews, estimating about $6,000 a year for three crew members. Staff presented three funding options: use surplus, adjust revenue estimates (for example, franchise fees and other receipts), or reduce other expenditures.
"The price came in up for 3 public works, crew at 6,000 a year," Staff member (S4) said, describing the vendor proposal. Staff also explained the rental program would include weekly drop-offs, laundering, inspection and replacement of degraded items at no extra cost and that shirts would be branded with city logos and names.
Council debated whether to lower taxes now or keep a more conservative reserve. Chair (S1) urged caution given economic volatility: "I think being a little conservative in this environment is a better way to go." One council member proposed increasing revenue estimates (noted in the discussion as raising a LOST estimate to $2.94 million) as a way to absorb some new costs while potentially lowering the mill rate; others warned about relying on uncertain revenues and suggested midyear transfers if necessary.
Council agreed it could not formally approve a budget at this meeting. Members asked staff to prepare and distribute a revised proposed budget showing the requested line-item changes and the source of funds before the next meeting; the formal approval vote will be scheduled after that distribution.
