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Council adopts $477 million FY2026-27 budget with $45 million pension paydown
Summary
Council approved a balanced FY2026-27 budget that includes a $45 million pension paydown and $49 million in capital spending; public speakers questioned a newly inserted $150,000 performance incentive and expanded settlement authority for the city manager.
City staff presented a balanced FY2026-27 budget with $477 million in operating expenses and $49 million in capital expenditures. The staff report highlighted a $45 million pension liability paydown ($40 million plus an additional $5 million) intended to reduce long-term liabilities.
During public comment, Jim Moer and other speakers raised concerns about two late additions in the budget resolution: a $150,000 allocation for a performance-based incentive compensation program and a new delegation (described in section nine of the resolution) authorizing the city manager and risk manager to settle certain claims within specified limits. Moer said the compensation allocation was not previously discussed in materials he had reviewed and asked for clarity on how performance would be defined and how many awards could be made. "The program doesn't seem to be defined...It's never been in any previous budget before," he said.
Staff defended the budget as a balanced package that sustains public-safety staffing while continuing capital work and pension reduction. Finance staff summarized proposed salary ranges and benefits for the police and fire chiefs as required by state law.
Council Member Stapleton moved to adopt the staff recommendation; the motion was seconded and carried by unanimous vote. The record shows the council approved the budget and related resolutions by unanimous vote the same evening.
