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Youngtown council reviews preliminary FY2026–27 budget, keeps $4 million contingency
Summary
Council members reviewed the town's preliminary FY2026–27 expenditure projections, including a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment, higher medical costs, $331,500 in park improvements and a recommended $4 million contingency; council also heard presentations on two street‑lighting districts and approved several routine contracts.
Mayor Michael LeVault and finance staff presented the Town of Youngtown’s preliminary FY2026–27 expenditure projections during the May 21 council meeting.
Penny Malia and Senior Accountant Monique Quintana outlined personnel and operating assumptions: a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment for salaries, a 9.5% increase in medical costs and a 3.9% rise in vision expenses. The employer contribution to the Arizona State Retirement System rose slightly from 11.86% to 11.87%, while long‑term disability costs fell marginally, producing a small net change in retirement and benefits expense.
Operating adjustments include higher legal advertising tied to Title 17 code changes, an estimated $20 monthly electricity increase, and a projected 10% rise in gas costs. Staff recommended keeping the contingency reserve at $4,000,000. Capital requests highlighted $85,000 for a fixed‑asset inventory process and $331,500 for Phase I of a bike‑trail project plus a shade structure at Greer Park.
Town Manager Brian Stutsman flagged one major capital variance: the Peoria Wrap Road estimate has risen to roughly $1.662 million compared with an original $1.5 million budget, and staff will provide an itemized expense review before adoption. Stutsman also reported ongoing facilities work at Town Hall after mold removal; the passport office remains closed until renovations finish.
Penny Malia presented proposed budgets for two Street Lighting Improvement Districts. The North Youngtown SLID (NYT SLID) shows a fiscal‑year 2026–27 levy of $85,487.58, which equates to $62.85 per parcel under current parcel counts; final approval will follow a June 22 public hearing. The Agua Fria Ranch SLID (AFR SLID) has an estimated FY2026–27 cost of $22,600.63 and a not‑to‑exceed rate of 0.2039 per $100 NAV; that item also returns for final action after a June 22 hearing.
Council also approved several contract renewals and service agreements on the consent/regular agenda: a first renewal with Pat Walker Consulting, LLC (not to exceed $140,700 through June 30, 2027); an on‑call cleanup services agreement with Apostolic Faith Center for $24,000 through June 30, 2027; and the magistrate employment contract and pro tem judge agreements (see separate article on court items). The Righteous Pro Cleaner Services renewal moved forward despite two council dissenting votes during the roll call.
Why it matters: the preliminary budget defines priorities for parks, capital maintenance and community events while preserving a large contingency to cover unexpected costs. The council will consider the tentative budget and public input in coming meetings and hold public hearings on the SLIDs on June 22.
Votes at a glance
- Salt River Material Group property purchase for Peoria Wrap Road: approved, $100,000 (motion recorded 7–0). - Pat Walker Consulting, LLC renewal: approved (amount not to exceed $140,700). - Righteous Pro Cleaner Services renewal: approved (roll‑call vote noted with two nays). - Apostolic Faith Center on‑call cleanup agreement: approved, $24,000. - Magistrate employment agreement and pro tem judge contracts: approved (see court article).
