Denison City council approves 2026 bond resolution and advances FY26–27 budget review

Denison City Council voted to approve a resolution authorizing the issuance of combined general-obligation corporate-purpose bonds, series 2026, and advanced review of the proposed fiscal-year 2026–27 budget.

The resolution, which council approved on a roll call, authorizes bonds intended to fund several capital projects outlined by city staff, including the wellness center, Donnerie Bridge work, a 10th Street alley project, a senior center roof repair and replacement of a snowplow. City staff told the council the bond package is tentative and based on the highest available quotes; the senior center roof in particular has multiple repair options with varying costs and staff said they will obtain three quotes before bidding the project.

City staff also described an option to add an HMA overlay of North Main from 1st Avenue South to 2nd Avenue North as an add-on to the Broadway project later if the council decides to expand the scope. Staff noted that any significant redirection of bond funds would require holding another public hearing.

Council members then discussed the proposed FY26–27 budget and the preliminary levy calculation. Staff reported a proposed consolidated levy rate of 18.69385 and said property tax revenue increased roughly $150,000 from the prior year. Staff and council reviewed adjustments to capital transfers, use of cash on hand for certain projects, and reclassification of revenue items such as a $5,000 payment in lieu of taxes from the Chamber.

On staffing and operating items, council and staff discussed dispatcher vacancies and the plan to hire temporary, certified part-time dispatchers to reduce overtime; staff said part-time hires will be certified employees who also work for neighboring counties. Councilmembers pressed for clearer line-item details, and staff asked for final comments before the next meeting to allow deadlines for the county and state budget system.

The meeting closed the budget discussion by asking councilmembers to review the packet and return with final feedback; staff said the budget will be amended as needed before the final public hearing and filing with the county.

The council’s action on the bond resolution was procedural authorization to proceed with bond issuance; specific bond amounts, final project budgets and the date for any bond sale were not finalized at the meeting.