Commission reviews FY2026 amendment and introduces proposed FY2027 budget with modest adjustments

City finance staff presented Amendment Three to the FY2026 budget and then reviewed the proposed FY2027 budget, detailing fund‑level changes and several timing adjustments for capital projects.

Carol Rianbach walked commissioners through the FY2026 amendment, noting a projected $133,659 reduction in the general-fund balance relative to Amendment Two driven by revenue and expense reclassifications. She told the commission that roughly $334,000 of the revenue increase reflects a catch‑up occupational‑tax payment from Trader Joe’s, and that community‑service prepayments (about $96,500) and audio‑equipment capital purchases were among the material changes in the amendment. On the utility side, Carol said an additional $230,000 was moved into this fiscal year to account for the multi‑year sewer‑rehab project.

On the FY2027 proposed budget, staff summarized key adjustments: updated fire‑department labor costs and on‑call allocations, moving the tanker‑truck purchase into FY2028, an allowance for corrected utilities at the police station, and modest changes to the stormwater fund to support CDL training for one position. Carol asked for two commissioners to sponsor the budget ordinance for introduction, and Commissioners Pal and Stewart agreed to sponsor the FY2027 ordinance for first reading.

Why it matters: the amendment and proposed budget set near‑term funding priorities for capital maintenance, utility projects, and community organizations across multiple funds. The changes affect the city’s expected year‑end balances and timing of purchases of major equipment.

What’s next: the finance staff will proceed with ordinance introduction and public readings; follow‑up items include finalizing capital timing and confirming grant/catch‑up revenue recognition.