Pleasant Valley reviews 2026 budget, approves insurance contribution change and discusses capital projects

The Pleasant Valley council reviewed a draft 2026 budget, approved an adjustment to its employee health-insurance contribution and discussed capital projects including a generator replacement, access-control upgrades and a sewer-inspection camera purchase.

Presenter (S3) delivered the 2026 budget message, summarizing revenue pressures, line-item changes and department requests. S3 said capital-improvement funds currently show a balance of $902,000 and that estimated dedicated sales-tax revenue for capital improvements is $475,000 for 2026; the presenter said the projected ending balance after planned capital spending would be roughly $74,000 above the starting balance, avoiding an immediate transfer from the general fund.

On staffing, S3 said the police department salary line increased primarily to hire four officers so the department can operate with two-officer shifts; hiring those officers also affects vehicle purchasing plans discussed later in the meeting. S3 said EMS salary changes increased about $40,000 to raise compensation for the three lowest-paid positions, and S6 said moving to full staffing would reduce reliance on outside agencies for two-person calls.

S3 and S6 discussed capital items: a line labeled "digital time clock" is actually scheduling and timecard software for police and dispatch and will likely move from capital to software expense; the city-hall generator was discussed as a full-building replacement, with S6 estimating recent comparable generator units at roughly $25,000 but cautioning that installation and electrical reconfiguration costs are uncertain.

S6 described a sewer-camera option quoted at $18,141 and said a grant would provide $7,500 toward the purchase. Council members noted about $10,000 already available in the appropriate capital box; staff was asked to reconcile the exact net cost before finalizing the budget.

The council debated access-control doors and an RFID badge-based system for building entry; S3 said staff will attempt to estimate costs and follow procurement rules (an RFP is likely) before the next budget meeting.

On benefits, S3 moved that, effective Jan. 1, 2026, the city contribution rate move to cover 100% of individual premiums and 85% for family coverage on the high-deductible plans with an HSA option; S2 seconded. The council recorded the motion and took a roll-call vote later in the meeting; the presenter asked staff to ensure the budget accounts for the change.

S5 proposed a one-time employee retention payment for 2025 equal to 0.65% of employees' salaries (subject to eligibility rules), which S5 said would cost the city less than $10,000 in total. Staff said the measure must be adopted by resolution and that attorneys have not yet returned the draft; the resolution will be on the next board meeting agenda for formal action.

Several line items require follow-up: staff were asked to get clearer cost estimates for the generator, access-control system and sewer camera, and to confirm road/street and parks contributions to 2026 projects after upcoming departmental meetings scheduled for Nov. 19.

The council expects to finalize the full budget packet at the next meeting once the remaining estimates are returned.