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Laurel council opens public hearing on $50.25 million FY2027 budget; nonprofit urges support
Summary
Council heard presentation of the proposed FY2027 operating budget ($50,247,311) and CIP totals, opened the first public hearing on Ordinance 2055, and received public comment from Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services urging approval and offering data on families served.
The Laurel City Council opened the first public hearing May 11 on Ordinance 2055, the proposed fiscal year 2027 operating and capital budget, after a presentation by Director Michelle Sailor.
Sailor said the proposed operating budget is $50,247,311; the capital improvement program (CIP) reauthorization total is $27,707,336 with $3,141,498 in new CIP funding; the proposed pension contribution is $2,307,123. The proposed property tax rates were presented as 71¢ per $100 of assessed residential value, an additional 3¢ per $100 for commercial areas, and $1.69 for business personal property.
Councilman Simmons asked when outstanding budget queries would be answered; Sailor said staff expected to have responses "by close of business tomorrow." Simmons also suggested the council consider lengthening the review window for budgets from approximately 24 days to 45 days to give members more time for questions.
During the public hearing, Shannon Mouton, executive director of Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services (LARS), urged council support for the mayor's proposed budget, saying it "has an opportunity to change the lives of a 100 families" and that previous city and grant funds helped LARS provide grocery support, eviction prevention and rental assistance. When asked by Councilman Mills how many families were served by prior funds, Mouton offered to provide exact figures and a breakdown "tomorrow."
Council also discussed a $1,000,000 allocation referenced in the CIP tied to Senate Bill 283 and a Laurel Clubhouse project; Councilman Cole asked the mayor for further detail on that funding request. Mayor Stednor replied a memo would be circulated confirming the request was submitted on his behalf and that the million dollars was requested for the Boys and Girls Club of America (not the city-operated club).
City staff announced a special work session will be scheduled before the second public hearing on any line item. The council did not vote on the budget ordinance at this meeting; the hearing will continue at a later date after follow-up and the special work session.
