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Hardyville council approves first readings of FY2027 budget ordinances; manager proposes 1.5-mill reduction and includes Project Phoenix figures
Summary
On May 21 the Hardyville City Council approved first readings of two budget ordinances advancing the fiscal year 2027 operating and amended budgets. City staff proposed a 1.5-mill reduction and included figures for "Project Phoenix," a plan to provide fire/rescue and EMS service to southern Jasper County; adoption does not yet obligate the city to deliver those services.
Hardyville — The City of Hardyville moved the FY2027 budget process forward on May 21, approving first readings of two ordinances that present the city’s proposed operating and capital spending plan and a related budget amendment.
City manager John Grier presented the proposed operating and capital budget, saying it "fully funds all of the city's programs and services" while proposing "a 1 half mil reduction in our current millage rate." Grier also told the council the proposed budget incorporates figures for Project Phoenix, the city's plan to provide fire, rescue and emergency medical services to parts of southern Jasper County, but emphasized that the budget’s inclusion of those figures "does not obligate us to provide those services."
Why it matters: the proposed budget frames the city's service and staffing plans for the coming year, shows the municipal response to the countywide property reassessment, and begins the formal process for any decision about Project Phoenix. State law requires the city to adopt next year’s budget by June 30, 2026, and council members debated whether to hold second reading on June 4 or delay to a later June date.
Details and council questions
Grier told council the budget accounts for the county’s five-year real property reassessment and that, through the required calculation, the city can reduce the millage while maintaining revenue. Councilmember Museman praised staff for the presentation, and Councilwoman Valerie Guzman asked how the reassessment would affect residents; staff said the value of a mill remains $19 and that the proposed change equates to roughly $19 per home in the example discussed.
Council also discussed implementation of the Management Advisory Group (MAG) salary study. Finance staff said an earlier estimate of $280,000 for implementing salary and classification changes was reduced; Mr. Gruber reported the proposal now had a maximum impact of about $233,000 and that number could decline further after reconciliation of year-end figures. Mr. Gruber said the MAG schedule is proposed to be effective in the April pay period and that staff will present a second budget amendment once final numbers are reconciled.
Votes and next steps
Council moved and approved on voice votes the first reading of Ordinance 2026-05-21A (FY2027 operating and capital budget) and Ordinance 2026-05-21B (budget amendment to incorporate MAG changes). Individual roll-call tallies were not recorded; the minutes record the actions as passed by voice vote. The council discussed scheduling second reading and possible adoption before the June 30 legal deadline; staff advised that if substantive changes are expected, earlier action is preferable to allow public notice.
The budget next returns for second reading and final action; council placed discussion of the timing on the June 4 agenda so members can decide whether to proceed or delay to a later date if additional changes are required.
