Council adopts consolidated fee schedule, sewer/garbage rate increases and the FY2026–27 budget

At the June 18 meeting, the Leighton City Council approved several interrelated financial actions: a consolidated fee‑schedule update (Ordinance 26‑20), adoption of the FY2026–27 budget and property‑tax rate (Ordinance 26‑9), and in‑year budget amendments for FY2025–26 (Ordinance 26‑18).

Consolidated fee schedule and utility rates: Staff highlighted several citizen‑facing changes: the sanitary‑sewer base rate will increase (presented as from 37 to $40), and garbage and recycling fees will rise to reflect contract cost adjustments from Waste Management. Fire and building inspection fees were revised and staff proposed a civil‑penalty mechanism (per international fire code) to enforce life‑safety corrections after warnings. Council adopted the fee schedule as part of consent items with a clarifying edit to generalize wording for annual fire inspections ("any business that requires an annual inspection").

Budget adoption: City staff presented a citywide budget of just over $140 million (general fund just under $50 million), $26 million in capital projects and approximately $3–4 million in planned capital equipment. Sales tax was projected to be slightly higher than the prior year; property tax adoption followed the certified rate (the council confirmed this would not raise property‑tax bills for residents). The council opened a public hearing, took brief comments and adopted the FY2026–27 budget and compensation schedule as presented. The budget included market, COLA and merit adjustments for staff; the council also accepted proposed compensation language for executive municipal officers as included in the adopted budget.

In‑year amendments: The council approved amendments for the current fiscal year to appropriate reserves and record unanticipated revenue and expenses, including corrections to the SWAT fund transfer (moved from general‑fund administration and patrol to the SWAT fund), ramp funding carryovers and other adjustments.

Why it matters: The fee adjustments will show up on monthly utility bills; the budget and amendments finalize spending priorities for public safety, utilities, parks and capital projects over the coming year. Council members and several residents voiced concern about utility affordability and requested additional public information on fee impacts.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance 26‑20 (consolidated fee schedule) — adopted as part of consent; Resolution 2634 (storm drain purchase) — adopted; Ordinance 26‑9 (FY2026–27 budget and property tax) — adopted by roll call; Ordinance 26‑18 (FY2025–26 amendments) — adopted by roll call.