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Torrington council adopts FY27 appropriation ordinance, outlines budget shifts and planned studies
Summary
The Torrington City Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 1308 adopting the FY27 budget. Councilors and staff highlighted a 20.4% decline in total spending, a $13.8 million capital program (68.5% grant/loan funded) and plans for a cost-of-service study and fall utility‑rate review.
The Torrington City Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 1308 on third reading on June 16, adopting the city’s fiscal 2027 appropriation.
Clerk/Treasurer Jessica Strecker summarized key changes in the FY27 proposal, saying the city’s total budget decreased 20.4% (a $10,883,772 reduction) from FY26 while the operating budget rose $1,617,910 (6.32%). She said capital spending fell from $26.8 million to $13.8 million and that 68.5% of the $13.8 million was expected to be funded by grants or low‑interest loans.
Strecker told the council that Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN) wholesale costs contributed an estimated $151,724 increase to the electric operating budget after a 7% energy price rise; vehicle and equipment funding increased by $736,393; personnel costs rose by $505,959 (about 4.69%); and health insurance costs increased roughly 6.01% for FY27. She said total projected cash balances across all funds at June 30, 2027, are $10,825,878, and that several enterprise funds (Airport, Golf, Swimming Pool, Ambulance and Cemetery) fall short of target reserves. Strecker said staff plans a full cost‑of‑service study in FY27 and will review utility rates in the fall.
Mayor Herb Doby framed the vote as part of the council’s duty to maintain essential services, listing water, sewer, trash, power, police, fire, emergency medical services and recreational venues as priorities the budget must sustain.
Separately during the meeting, Attorney James A. Eddington read the ordinance by title before the council approved it. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded approval of Ordinance No. 1308 on third reading; the motion carried unanimously.
The council also approved Resolution No. 2026‑8 to amend the FY26 budget to account for unanticipated revenue and expenditures across several funds (items included reimbursements, grant reversals and fund transfers). Clerk/Treasurer Strecker noted one clerical correction in the Ambulance Fund description that will be fixed in the record.
What’s next: staff will begin the cost‑of‑service study in FY27 and return to council with utility rate recommendations in the fall.
