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Sustainability Advisory Board forwards draft 2026 budget recommendation to council
Summary
The board voted to forward the draft 2026 sustainability budget and work plan to city council with staff direction to refine certain line items (notably the compost program) at the October meeting; staff also inserted an $11,000 placeholder for Taylor Farm work pending an October presentation.
The New Albany Sustainability Advisory Board voted on Sept. 10 to forward a draft 2026 budget and work plan to city council, with staff and board agreement that some line items will be refined at the October meeting.
Staff presented the draft budget items, including biannual recycling and household hazardous‑waste events, an increase for postcard mailings estimated at $6,000 for two mailings, continuation of the compost program, and funding to expand community programs such as pocket prairies and Green Guardians. Staff also reported a Taylor Farm project required additional work beyond original expectations and placed an $11,000 placeholder in the draft budget; staff asked city service staff (Cody) to present exact funding needs at the October meeting.
Chair moved to approve the draft 2026 budget as presented and to allow staff to return with final numbers next month; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. Staff said the motion would be forwarded to council as the board’s recommendation and that the October meeting could be used to amend the recommendation if necessary.
The board emphasized fiscal caution—staff noted some program costs are placeholders pending vendor quotes and that some funds from underused programs could potentially be reallocated if needed. The board asked staff to verify whether leftover student leaders or invasive‑tree program funds could be applied to any shortfall before adding to the 2026 totals.
