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Council reviews budget calendar as health-insurance costs spike 133%
Summary
Councilors reviewed the budget calendar and department budgets, noting a 133% increase in health insurance costs, planned IT equipment purchases of about $20,000, and a cemetery maintenance contract that expires this fall; staff said final contract and overall budget figures are not yet available.
The Janesville City Council reviewed the municipal budget calendar and preliminary department budgets, and councilors and staff highlighted several cost pressures ahead of the levy-adoption process.
At the meeting staff outlined the schedule: police and fire budgets will be considered at the next council meeting; the September meeting will include Joe Zim's budget; the city might need an extra September meeting to adopt the tax levy. The administrator said some line items remain provisional and staff expect to return with updated figures.
Councilors and staff said the city's health insurance cost rose about 133% this year. Councilor Sarah and other members suggested researching alternative carriers or plan designs for next year. "Health insurance went up 133% this year," one participant said; staff recommended evaluating options and bringing recommendations to a future meeting.
The administrator also described an increase in the City Hall technology budget, with roughly $20,000 proposed for new laptops, a copier and a shredder to replace aging equipment. Parks and miscellaneous equipment purchases were discussed, including that a wage study was not budgeted this cycle. The council reviewed results of a recent community cleanup (three dumpsters filled) and noted library building maintenance may require furnace or step repairs.
Staff reminded the council the cemetery maintenance contract expires this fall; the expected cost for the renewed contract is not yet available and will be provided later in the budget process. When asked whether there were overall rough numbers now, staff said they were not ready and needed to follow up with departmental staff.
No final budget votes occurred; staff will bring updated numbers and any requisite resolutions to future meetings.
