Smithville finance director says FY2026 is tracking as expected; two small amendments approved and LAGERS implementation delayed to July

Finance Director Rick Welch presented the three-month FY2026 budget review to the Smithville Board of Aldermen on March 3, reporting that the city is generally tracking as expected while highlighting several operational items and small capital amendments.

Welch said the FY2026 update included two approved amendments: $26,000 for a City Hall sewer line replacement and $26,944 for the OK Railroad Trail Project. He reported the General Fund is budgeted for $7,143,408 in revenues with $2,081,504 (29.1%) collected to date; Welch said collections were partly delayed by a Clay County property tax deadline extension.

Welch reviewed revenue breakdowns and early-year expenditure patterns: property tax receipts reflected large January disbursements, sales tax and use tax were near historical trends, and building permits showed positive outlook because of increased development. He said the Public Safety Sales Tax Fund personnel and benefits cost projections include a January step increase and that LAGERS implementation will be delayed until July 1. Welch added that the animal control vehicle is expected soon, which will allow recruitment for that position, and that police union negotiations will begin in the near future and may require budget adjustments.

Other funds—CWWS, Capital Improvement, Transportation, Park and Stormwater, and the Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Fund—were reported to be at early-year spending levels with CIP activity expected to increase as projects proceed. Welch noted a utility rate study is scheduled for presentation on April 7, 2026 and that staff will continue monitoring collections and expenditures closely.

Procedurally, Alderman Dan Hartman moved to adjourn at 7:19 p.m.; Alderman Kelly Kobylski seconded and the Board voted 6–0 to adjourn. The Mayor declared the work session adjourned.