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Clinton council hears public comment on final FY2026-27 budget as staff trims $1.2M to avoid tax increase
Summary
At a June 16 public hearing, Clinton staff reviewed changes to the proposed FY2026-27 budget — including a placeholder for K-9 funding and removal of a slurry-seal transfer — and Mayor Marie Dougherty said roughly $1.2 million in requests were cut to avoid raising property taxes; adoption is set for June 23.
Clinton City officials on June 16 reviewed the final FY2026-27 budget in a public hearing and described program and revenue adjustments after removing about $1.2 million in requested expenditures to avoid a property tax increase.
Finance Director Cory Christensen summarized updates to the tentative budget, including changes to ambulance revenue estimates, administrative service fees, emergency dispatch fee revenue, credit card processing costs and accounting software expenses, along with funding for the fire department motor pool and a placeholder for police K-9 funding. City Manager Trevor Cahoon described organizational savings following a reorganization of the Community Development Department and revisions to Class C road fund expenditures.
Mayor Marie Dougherty said the adjustments reflect constraints from inflation, stagnant sales tax revenues and limits on municipal revenue under state law. "The proposed rate captures only allowable new growth revenues and the City is not pursuing a property tax increase," Mayor Dougherty said, staff later reported the certified tax rate would be 0.001985.
Public commenters raised questions about specific revenue projections and service priorities. Cameron Frick thanked staff for transparency and asked about sales tax projections, the potential local impacts of large retailers, credit card processing fees and future improvements to the City's soccer fields. Brandon Stanger acknowledged staff work but cautioned against continued reliance on fund balance, expressed concern about postponing street maintenance and about removal of planter-box funding, and urged smaller annual revenue adjustments rather than larger increases in the future.
After the hearing closed, staff responded to questions on sales tax forecasts, credit card processing agreements, options for a transportation utility fee, planter-box maintenance costs, use of fund balance and the timing and funding for future street maintenance. Councilmember Jennifer Christensen asked for clarification on the K-9 funding; Mayor Dougherty explained it would remain a placeholder while fundraising continues and that any unfunded balance would be covered by the City if necessary.
No action was taken at the June 16 meeting; final budget adoption was scheduled for the City Council meeting on June 23, 2026.
