Cordova council approves $181,000 midyear boost for schools, will fund half of district's request from FY26 budget

The Cordova City Council voted on May 6 to amend its proposed contribution to the Cordova Public School District, approving an additional $181,000 and specifying that the amount be paid from the city’s FY2026 budget.

The amendment—to split the district’s $362,000 supplemental ask in half—was offered on the council floor and, after discussion about funding sources, passed by voice vote; the clerk then conducted a roll‑call vote on the amended resolution and recorded the present council members as voting in favor.

During public comment, Alex Russell, the district superintendent, urged the council to support the school’s request. "I would... request that you would support the district's request in the contribution from the city," Russell said during the meeting, noting the district had asked for what it needs and had tried to demonstrate stewardship of public funds.

Council debate covered options to fund the increase: some members proposed raising the mill rate (property tax), others favored splitting the request and revisiting funding later, and several members opposed tapping the permanent fund because of long‑term infrastructure risks. Staff and the finance director explained the practical complication that the city’s and the school district’s fiscal years overlap; if the council wished to pay an added amount now, it needs direction about charging it to FY2026 and any corresponding budget amendment.

The finance director told the council that the school district keeps a fund‑balance policy and that state rules generally limit carryover to 10% of expenditures; the district said it planned to use a mix of prepaid expenses and capital allocations to comply with fund‑balance rules or otherwise manage excesses.

After discussion, Council member Rainey moved the amendment to add $181,000 and specify payment from the FY2026 budget; the amendment was seconded and then passed. The council later approved the amended resolution on a roll‑call vote with the present members recorded as voting yes.

Votes at a glance

• Resolution 052619 (school contribution) — Amendment adopted to add $181,000 to the city’s contribution; amendment passed by voice vote and the amended resolution was approved on roll call (present members voted in favor). • Resolution 052620 (police vehicle lease/purchase appropriation) — Approved by the council by voice vote; staff said insurance proceeds and reuse of outfitting parts minimize new net costs.

What remains: council and staff still must identify the specific funding mechanism for the FY2026 payment (options discussed included a limited mill‑rate adjustment, tapping the permanent fund temporarily, or other revenue changes) and any required budget amendment for FY2026; the mill‑rate discussion is scheduled for the statutory tax‑setting timeline.

The meeting concluded with routine appointments and a public comment raising liability concerns about a travel‑lift incident; council then recessed for an executive session to consider insurance and litigation matters related to that incident.