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Grottoes staff detail proposed $5.2 million FY26–27 budget; no tax increases proposed
Summary
Town staff presented a proposed FY26–27 budget of about $5.2 million (a roughly 4% increase), with no proposed real estate or personal property tax increases; key items include a 2–2.6% CPI increase for water and sewer fees, a $130,000 6th Street water line extension, and about $1 million in Grand Caverns revenue.
Town of Grottoes staff presented the proposed FY26–27 budget at the council's May 11 meeting, describing a package slightly above $5.2 million that represents about a 4% increase over the current year and proposes no increases in real estate or personal property taxes.
Kyle, who led the presentation, said revenue sources include property taxes, local fees and fines, and interest income; the town has realized roughly a 4.5% return on investments. He described the town's three separate enterprise funds (general, water and sewer) and proposed modest CPI‑based rate adjustments for water and sewer (referred to in the discussion as 2% and alternatively 2.6% in places), saying the change would amount to only a few dollars for an average household on a billing cycle.
Among capital and operating highlights, Kyle said the town generates about $1,000,000 annually from Grand Caverns but has seen a slight dip in recent months; the council also heard that the wastewater plant still carries roughly $130,000 in annual debt service. The council learned of a planned $130,000 extension of the 6th Street water line to complete the backbone of the local water system; staff said that work will be completed in phases this summer using town public works crews rather than an outside bid to reduce costs.
Kyle also noted the town's new trash contract with Meridian is entering its second year and that the town may renegotiate or rebid the contract next year. No vote on the annual budget occurred at the meeting; the public hearing portion of the meeting was held and closed with public comment taken.
