City staff warns of a roughly $500,000 general-fund shortfall in draft 2027 budget

Presenter (S1) opened the workshop with a review of fund balances and baseline assumptions for the 2027 draft budget, saying, "As you can see, our general fund is healthy," but later adding that "We're gonna lose roughly ... just over $500,000 in the general fund." The staff presentation summarized projected net revenue over expense and itemized pressures from parks, stormwater and other funds.

Council members pressed staff for department-level detail before approving changes. Committee member (S2) noted midyear appropriation pacing and asked what reserves remain available; Presenter (S1) said the figures shown are projected net revenue (not year-end cash balance) and emphasized that health-insurance increases and risk-liability renewal are primary cost drivers. Members agreed to a series of follow-up workshops to examine departments and potential cuts before any formal appropriation changes.