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Pulaski council advances 2026–27 budget on first reading, schedules hearings and approves local appropriations and contracts
Summary
At its regular meeting the Pulaski City Council read and approved a package of community appropriations totaling $557,643, advanced the 2026–27 budget on first reading, set public hearings for the budget and proposed septage fees, renewed a landfill compliance contract at $115,000, and appointed a new city attorney.
The Pulaski City Council at its recent meeting advanced the proposed 2026–27 budget on first reading, approved a slate of community appropriations totaling $557,643 and set public hearings for the budget and a proposed septage receipt fee.
City staff read a line-by-line list of recommended appropriations for local organizations, including $157,450 for the Dallas County Public Library, $161,000 for county E‑911 services, $35,000 for Historic Downtown Pulaski and smaller grants for senior services, the Boys and Girls Club and theaters. City Administrator Ricky Keith entered the list into the record and said the totals matched what council discussed at its work session. The council approved the appropriations package by motion and roll call.
Council members also moved and voted to advance an ordinance adopting the 2026–27 budget on first reading. The council scheduled a final public hearing on the budget for June 23, 2026, at 12:05 p.m., ahead of a second reading.
On fees, councilors considered an ordinance to adopt septage receipt fees at a trial rate of $0.10 per gallon, a figure staff said was standard in other jurisdictions. Staff estimated that if the facility received 10,000 gallons per day, the fee could generate about $1,000 per day; additional electricity and processing costs for that volume were estimated at roughly $100. The council set a public hearing on the fee for June 23, 2026, at 12:10 p.m., and advanced the fee ordinance on first reading by roll call vote.
Council approved a parade/open‑house permit submitted by J County Health Center for June 27; staff said the event will not close streets, a bond is posted and normal safety measures are planned.
In contract business, the council adopted a resolution to renew landfill compliance services with ERM. Staff had expected a renewal estimate in the $130,000–$150,000 range; ERM’s proposal came in at $115,000. That figure and the ongoing nature of postclosure monitoring — driven by leachate and water infiltration — were discussed before council approval by vote.
The council also adopted a resolution calling a public hearing on a deannexation request for a parcel on Highway 64 West. The owner, identified in the record as Mr. Busby, seeks to remove a largely undeveloped parcel from city limits; staff said the property’s city taxes amount to about $26 per year. The public hearing was scheduled for July 14 at 12:05 p.m. Council members noted the request would not prevent future annexation of adjacent property.
On administrative matters, councilors reviewed an auditor‑recommended move to variable monthly billing for the municipal gas utility so rates can track changing costs. The auditor will provide implementing spreadsheets and staff said state law and the city charter authorize variable billing for natural gas.
The council appointed Kobe Bader of Bader Law as the city attorney after reviewing qualifications from two firms. Councilors noted that, under procurement rules for professional services, the selection is based on qualifications and that fee negotiations follow selection.
Mayor Brinkley and staff also reminded the public of the upcoming Sundrop Fest and announced travel for city staff to upcoming conferences.
The meeting concluded after council solicitation of public comments drew none.
Votes at a glance
- Approval of community appropriations as read (total $557,643): motion approved by roll call. - Adopt 2026–27 budget on first reading: motion approved by roll call; public hearing June 23, 2026, 12:05 p.m. - Septage receipt fee (first reading, $0.10/gal): motion approved by roll call; public hearing June 23, 2026, 12:10 p.m. - Parade permit for J County Health Center (June 27): approved by roll call. - Resolution to renew ERM landfill compliance contract ($115,000): approved by roll call. - Resolution to set public hearing on deannexation (64 West): hearing set for July 14, 2026, at 12:05 p.m. - Appointment of Kobe Bader, city attorney: approved by roll call.
What’s next
The council will hold the scheduled public hearings on June 23 and reconvene for a second reading of the budget at a later meeting. Staff will return negotiated contract terms and the auditor’s spreadsheet for variable gas billing for council review.
