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Council begins budget review, discusses COLA, capital needs and utility rate approach
Summary
Council reviewed department budget requests, discussed a 3–3.5% cost‑of‑living increase proposal, capital items (hydro vac truck, wastewater sprockets, parking lot repairs), and the option to tie capital improvement fund contributions to base utility rates versus a fixed amount.
Council began a substantive review of the draft budget and capital projects, asking department heads to prioritize needs and highlighting several near‑term capital items.
Finance staff presented a payroll allocation worksheet and a proposed 3–3.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for employees; council reviewed the fiscal impact across general fund and enterprise funds. Departments requested targeted increases: the police requested $5,000 to cover operating costs and an $8,000 increase tied to a vehicle lease extension; public works outlined major capital needs (hydro vac truck delivery, waterline replacements, and $90,000 lower‑sprocket work at the wastewater plant that could total $150k–$175k including bearings and labor). Staff also proposed purchasing a large blueprint scanner (estimate $14k–$15k) to digitize legacy plans and streamline feasibility and permitting work. Council discussed balancing gradual rate increases and capital improvement fund percentages to preserve eligibility for grants and maintain infrastructure funding.
