Polk City adopts FY2027 budget with $11 levy; $21.7 million in planned expenditures

Chelsea presented the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget and urged the council to consider it a balanced plan that aligns city priorities with available revenues. "It is my pleasure to present to you all the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget," she said, outlining revenues, expenditures and capital priorities.

The proposed budget lists total revenue of $19,000,000 and total expenditures of $21,700,000; those totals include capital projects. Excluding capital items, the operating budget is $13,603,023. Chelsea identified $5,381,951 in general fund expenses and estimated an approximate general fund balance of $111,937 under the presented plan. She also noted property valuations increased 2.65% for regular taxable valuation and 6.78% for debt service valuation from the prior year.

Council members heard details of nine capital projects included in the draft budget: a North Trunk Sewer project (estimated cost $3.8 million, with $1.8 million budgeted in FY2027); corridor studies (Third Street, Town Square and Bridge Road) with a total study cost $109,900 split across fiscal years; an allocation of $150,000 for additional exterior improvements and demolition at the former City Hall (Big Creek Schoolhouse); an increased annual street repair allocation of $400,000 (up from prior typical budgets of $200,000–$250,000); and schematic work estimated at $60,000 for a new police station and library addition. Chelsea said the budget incorporates City Council priorities from the capital improvement plan and strategic planning process.

With no members of the public appearing for the budget hearing, the council moved to close the public comment portion and proceeded to a roll-call vote to adopt the FY2027 budget as presented. The resolution adopting the budget passed on roll call.