Commission reviews budget amendments, approves health plan renewal and awards salt contract

City finance staff presented Budget Amendment 3 to the FY2026 budget and the proposed FY2027 budget. Carol Rianbach summarized changes across funds: a net projected reduction in the general fund balance (~$133,659) largely driven by community services prepayments and capital adjustments; a $230,000 adjustment in the utility fund to reconcile the multi‑year sewer rehabilitation project; and related shifts in cemetery and perpetual care funds. Staff noted a $239,000 revenue increase tied to an occupational tax catch‑up from Trader Joe’s.

On FY2027, staff described changes including increased fire services labor and capital timing adjustments (tankers and apparatus), a higher estimate for utilities at the police station due to a faulty meter, and a revised capital estimate for the water treatment plant switchboard after bid results. Commissioners sponsored ordinances to bring the budget amendments and FY2027 budget forward for formal votes.

On employee coverage, staff recommended staying with the current health plan despite a 9% premium increase; the commission voted unanimously to keep the existing plan design with the city covering the 9% premium increase. "I make a motion, mayor, we go with the 9% that we discussed," said Commissioner Pal; the motion passed on roll call.

Staff also reported property and liability insurance renewals (property premiums rose ~19.2%; liability declined slightly) as informational only. For procurement, Daryl reported the city participated in a KC reverse salt auction: Nature's Landscape Supply submitted the low responsive bid at $138 per ton (including delivery); the commission approved awarding the salt contract to Nature's Landscape Supply and authorized the mayor to execute documents.

Staff said several capital and operating adjustments remain subject to formal ordinance adoption and future procurement steps.