Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Dexter council approves 2026 budget, sets levy at $182,600
Summary
At its Sept. 8 meeting, the Dexter City Council approved the 2026 preliminary budget and set levy amounts totaling $182,600 (about a 7% increase), renewed the Oasis Bar and Grill liquor licenses, authorized manhole repairs up to $5,000 and directed staff to seek updated sidewalk bids; a park donation request was tabled.
At a Sept. 8, 2025 meeting at Dexter City Hall, the Dexter City Council approved the 2026 preliminary budget and set levy amounts totaling $182,600, a roughly 7% increase from the 2025 levy.
Clerk Natalie Carroll presented the proposed 2026 budget and levy schedule. Council member Tim Taylor moved and Council member Casey Erwin seconded a motion to approve the budget and to set the levy amounts as follows: General Fund $131,500; Water Fund $31,000; Sewer Fund $9,500; 2017 Street & Utility Bond $10,600. The motion passed unanimously. The minutes note this is the first levy increase in two years.
The council also approved renewal of the 2025–2026 liquor licenses for the Oasis Bar and Grill. Council member Casey Erwin moved and Council member Christian Padilla seconded the motion; the fees recorded in the minutes were: On-sale $1,400; Off-sale $150; Sunday liquor $100. The motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Justin Forthun presented bids for sidewalk repairs, including a bid submitted last year. Council authorized Forthun to obtain a current bid and to approve repairs with the contractor submitting the lowest bid. That motion passed on a unanimous vote.
Council approved repairs to three manholes with a price not to exceed $5,000. The motion was made by Council member Diane O’Connor, seconded by Council member Christian Padilla, and approved unanimously.
On park improvements, Council member Christian Padilla reported he had asked the Dexter Fire Department about a possible donation for park work; the fire department tabled the request and no further action was taken.
Council member Casey Erwin moved and Council member Diane O’Connor seconded a motion to adjourn; the meeting was adjourned. Clerk Natalie Carroll is listed as the meeting clerk in the minutes.
Votes at a glance: all recorded motions in the minutes passed unanimously (5–0): approval of minutes and financials; adoption of the 2026 budget and levy; renewal of Oasis Bar and Grill liquor licenses; authorization to seek and accept the lowest sidewalk repair bid; approval of manhole repairs not to exceed $5,000; adjournment.
