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West Branch reviews FY26 budget draft with modest raises and new program proposals
Summary
City Administrator Adam Kofoed told the Jan. 13 work session the city is in a stronger fiscal position heading into FY26 and presented assumptions including up to 4.5% salary increases and a 6% health insurance rise; Council reviewed department requests including a $50,000 community partnership and $17,500 Main Street dues.
The West Branch City Council met Jan. 13 for a FY26 budget work session during which City Administrator Adam Kofoed presented the administration's budget assumptions and department proposals.
Kofoed told the council the city is "in a much better position than we were twelve months ago," citing more-stable inflation and slightly higher road‑use tax receipts. For FY26 he recommended planning for employee salary increases of up to 4.5%, a 6% rise in health insurance premiums and an unspecified liability insurance increase that may affect multiple funds.
The administration highlighted a healthy water fund and noted several FY24 council goals have been completed. Kofoed also flagged operational changes tied to an upcoming retirement in the city office and the ongoing effort to retain five well‑paid police officers.
On community-development spending, Kofoed asked the council to consider continued support for Main Street West Branch ($17,500 proposed) and a $50,000 partnership with the University of Iowa's Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities; he said he would present further details about that program at the next council meeting. Kofoed also reminded the council that the city can no longer levy property taxes specifically to operate the Civic Center (Town Hall), and staff will need to seek other revenue or cost‑control measures as reservations and utility costs change.
Kofoed proposed a modest increase in elected official compensation that would include funds for council training should members choose to attend. He also noted a planned transition in the city clerk position and associated salary adjustments in the general fund.
There were no formal votes on spending levels during the work session; the council adjourned after the departmental presentations. Kofoed will return with additional detail on the Iowa Initiative partnership and staff will continue to refine revenue and expense projections ahead of formal budget adoption.
