Baker council adopts general-fund and special-revenue budget adjustments for FY2026

The City of Baker City Council voted unanimously June 23 to adopt two budget measures amending the fiscal year 2026 operating budgets: Ordinance 2026-22 (general fund amendment) and Ordinance 2026-23 (special revenue funds).

The measures, both introduced by the mayor on June 10, were moved and seconded on the council floor and approved in roll-call fashion by district. Ordinance 2026-23 covers allocations for the street fund, the half-cent fire fund, the half-cent police fund and 911 communications, according to council staff.

Mary Sue, a city staff member who explained the special-revenue package to the council, said the ordinance’s adjustments are intended to keep those funds within the 5–10% ranges required by the Governmental Budget Act. “The special revenue funds that are impacted is the street fund, the half-cent fire, the half-cent police, and the 911 communications. And basically we’re trying to get within the 5 to 10% limits that we are held to by the governmental budget act,” she said.

During the public-comment period, resident Barbara King asked whether the special-revenue budget would include relief for recent flood and drainage problems that affected her home. “I’m not sure if this special budget… does it entail any of the flooding and drainage in the area?” King said, identifying herself and giving her address.

Staff answered that some street-fund spending can cover drainage work, but the specific ordinance before the council did not include an itemized flood-relief program. Mary Sue told the resident that drainage work can be part of street-fund uses but that the adopted ordinance did not directly provide homeowner flood reimbursement.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 2026-22 (amend operating budget, general fund): adopted unanimously (district roll-call recorded all "yes"). - Ordinance 2026-23 (adopt operating budget, special revenue funds): adopted unanimously (district roll-call recorded all "yes").

Why it matters The adopted adjustments reallocate existing local resources and keep the city’s special revenue accounts aligned with statutory variance limits, which can affect street maintenance and emergency services funding. Residents who reported flooding were told to follow up with the mayor’s office or staff to explore specific remedies.

What’s next Council members noted public-works crews are cleaning ditches and culverts; residents with flood damage were encouraged to contact the mayor’s office or staff to request follow-up. The ordinances take effect following the council’s adoption.

Provenance Topic introduced: SEG 829 Topic last discussed: SEG 1076