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Broussard staff present ambitious FY2026–27 budget with $28.8M in capital projects and planned use of reserves
Summary
City staff outlined a proposed FY2026–27 budget that includes a roughly $28.8 million capital program, $271,727 in merit pay increases, a projected operating deficit, and a mix of grants, bonds and transfers to cover the gap.
Burton, the budget presenter, told the City of Broussard council during a June 17 hearing that the proposed FY2026–27 budget includes an ambitious capital program and modest personnel increases. "Salaries for all employees have been adjusted for a 3% merit raise," Burton said, and he gave the total for merit raises and pay-scale increases as $271,727.
The proposal packages capital projects, grant awards and borrowing to expand the city’s infrastructure. Burton said the budget document lists capital requests on pages four and five that together amount to about $28.76 million, with roughly $11.73 million expected in grant revenues and about $6.2 million to be covered by bonds and similar debt. "We're getting almost three times what the city is having to spend," he said, describing grant leverage that reduces the city's net project cost to about $10.7 million.
Why it matters: The package raises recurring and near‑term fiscal questions. Burton acknowledged an operating deficiency, and said the city plans to rely on transfers (including a $5 million transfer from the 1992 sales‑tax fund), some surplus and debt proceeds to close gaps. "How are we going to fund that net deficit of $2 million? We're going to use some surplus monies that's in the general fund," he said.
Budget details and next steps: Burton walked through fund‑by‑fund numbers for the general, capital projects, recreation and utility funds, noting anticipated revenues, transfers and debt service commitments. Council staff member Kristen confirmed the team had budgeted a 2% sales‑tax increase for next year. The hearing was informational; Burton reminded the council that formal action will be taken in regular session where ordinances adopting the amended current budget and the new budget will be introduced.
The hearing closed after a brief question-and-answer on project timing and grant requirements. Burton concluded, "If y'all need anything, please let me know," and the council scheduled reopening for 6 p.m. for the following meeting stage.
