Finance and budget committee approves $2.58 million in expenditures and holds preliminary FY2026–27 budget for review

The Butte City Finance and Budget Committee voted Wednesday to approve an expenditure list totaling $2,583,419.23 and to approve a separate fiscal‑year 2027 item of $19,922.65; it also authorized a set of minor budget transfers and voted to hold the preliminary FY2026–27 budget in committee for further review.

A committee member (S2) raised a question about a line item labeled Claim 10557 on page 21, asking, “they're drywall drywall repairs at the at the back 9… I'm just wondering if you know what they are.” Committee member (S3) responded that the repairs were to drywall damaged by a roof leak at the Highland View Clubhouse: “There was a roof leak at the Highland View Clubhouse, and this is just to repair the drywall that was damaged as a result of the leak.”

After signatures for the packet were requested for the final two pages, a committee member (S2) moved to approve the expenditure list dated July 1, 2026, in the amount of $2,583,419.23; the chair said the motion was seconded and announced, “Motion passes.” The transcript does not record a roll‑call tally for that motion.

The same committee member (S2) then moved to review and approve an item for fiscal year 2027 in the amount of $19,922.65; the chair again confirmed a second and said, “Motion passes.” No vote tally is recorded in the transcript for that item.

The chair announced that JP Gallagher, chief executive, had called a special full‑council meeting for June 29, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers Room 312 for a presentation by Karen Hassler, finance and budget director, on the preliminary FY2026–27 budget; that item was referred to the finance and budget committee for additional review.

Committee discussion focused on timing and workload. A committee member (S3) noted the preliminary budget packet was about 300 pages and recommended holding the packet in committee for one to two weeks to allow adequate review before sending it back to the full council and before public hearings. The member also said they plan to review Senate Bill 117 and its implications for the council’s levy/reserve decisions before bringing the budget to full council.

The committee then voted on a motion to hold the preliminary FY2026–27 budget in committee; the chair recorded the outcome as 6 to 0 in favor.

The chair summarized four budget transfers the committee reviewed: $80 (district court) to cover office and operating supply deficits; $4,113 (district court) to purchase three barrister‑style bookcases for the chambers; $500 (council commissioners) for a deposit related to a float; and $700 (general fund sheriff) to cover a travel/training advance for Detective Peterson. Committee members raised no further questions and the chair moved to adjourn.

The meeting closed after the motions and the committee’s agreement to continue detailed budget review in the coming weeks.