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Reinbeck council approves larger library budget; FY27 general fund faces roughly $65,000 shortfall
Summary
The council approved a request to increase the library’s FY2027 budget to $165,000, reduce planned salary increases to 2.8% for library staff, and set hearings on the levy and budget amendment; the action leaves an estimated FY27 General Fund deficit of about $65,000 to be covered from reserves.
The Reinbeck City Council on Feb. 2 approved raising the library’s FY2027 budget request to $165,000 after library representatives said the previously approved figure of $140,000 would not suffice.
Lenah (library representative) told the council construction and operating needs required an increased budget; she said the library would reduce proposed salary increases to 2.8% (the same percentage approved for city employees) to help control costs. After discussion, Council member Pease moved to allow the library $165,000 in budgeted expenses and to approve other board requests as presented; Johnson seconded and the motion passed on a unanimous roll-call vote.
Council members discussed revenue limits and options: the minutes note the General Fund is at the $8.50500 maximum levy rate, which prevents the city from raising additional General Fund revenue by increasing the levy. Using the prior $140,000 library figure and board cuts, the minutes recorded a $40,000 gap to reach a balanced budget; after approving the $165,000 library budget, the minutes show FY27 General Fund budgeted expenses of $947,230 and projected revenues of $882,699, leaving an approximate $65,000 deficit that the council said will have to be taken from General Fund reserves. Council members discussed a Capital Improvement Plan and other revenue options to address structural deficits.
Separately, the council set the property tax levy hearing for April 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. and set a budget amendment hearing for March 2, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. The council also scheduled the 2026 spring clean-up day for April 18 with a rain date of April 25.
Other administrative actions recorded in the minutes included appointment approvals (Chris Bunz to the Cemetery Board; Steve Kauffman to the Memorial Building Board), acceptance of a resignation from the Reinbeck Community Development Board (Darren Trunck), and appointment of Lydia Robertson to that board. The council approved continuing the Precision Lawn Care contract at current rates and authorized staff to begin code amendments related to a 20-minute parking sign at 423 Main Street and an increase in snow-parking violation fines.
The minutes show the council will rely on reserves to cover the immediate FY27 shortfall; no additional revenue measures were approved at the Feb. 2 meeting.
