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Council budget workshop turns to raises and possible reallocation of chamber funds
Summary
At a lengthy budget workshop the council reviewed proposed levy changes, employee-benefits reserves and debated raises (options ranged from 2%–4%). Members also discussed redirecting a portion of a $30,000 chamber allocation toward downtown revitalization; no final budget vote was taken.
City staff presented the draft levy and fund balances and described recommended adjustments to the employee-benefits reserve and tax rate projections. A staff member said the proposed combined general fund levy computation resulted in a tax rate of 17.67568 and the city’s employee-benefit fund held roughly $437,880.85 on hand.
Council members debated how to balance competitive pay against years of budget overspending. One council member noted the audit showed the city had overspent its budget in recent years: "In our audit 2025, we overspent our budget by $1,748,210," a council member said, citing the audit figures and urging caution on long-term spending commitments.
Discussion focused on three primary options: a 2% raise (favored by some as fiscally conservative), a 3–3.5% middle option and a 4% increase (favored by others to help recruitment and retention). Supporters of larger rises argued that morale and retention—especially for police and public works—would suffer without competitive adjustments; opponents said the city’s multi‑year overspending and capital needs argue for more restraint.
Councilors also questioned a recurring $30,000 chamber allocation. One member proposed redirecting a portion of that money toward a downtown revitalization/beautification plan (estimated professional plan cost $5,000–$8,000) to guide future improvements while major highway projects progress.
No final binding budget or levy vote was taken at the session; council members asked staff to return with refined figures, contingency options and a clearly costed proposal for any suggested reallocation of chamber funds.
