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Council flags $77,000 Phase II Riverwalk payment as budget amendment moves forward
Summary
City administrative staff told council an outstanding $77,000 Riverwalk Phase II payment is due in Feb. 2026; Southbank Partners said the project is on budget and the ribbon cutting is expected in May 2026. The issue factored into debate on a broader budget amendment.
City Administrative Officer Scott Smith told the Ludlow City Council on Nov. 13 that the budget amendment under consideration must account for a remaining payment of $77,000 to Southbank Partners for Phase II of the Riverwalk; the City paid $77,000 toward the study in 2024 and the other half is due in Feb. 2026.
Will Weber, president of Southbank Partners, told the council the Riverwalk Phase II project "is on budget and on schedule" and that "the ribbon cutting should take place in May 2026." Council discussed seeking RAISE grant support and confirmed the project’s near-term schedule; Mr. Smith advised the $77,000 expense was not included in the proposed amendment and that unexpected line items could emerge.
The council also heard the first reading of an ordinance to amend the FY 2025–26 budget (Ordinance 2025-16), which would adjust revenues from $5,678,100.00 to $6,012,310.81 and expenditures from $5,097,840.00 to $5,980,932.43. Mr. Smith and Mayor Thompson said the amendment would fund projects requested by the mayor once approved.
No final vote was taken on the ordinance during the meeting; staff will return with formal documentation and specific appropriation language for council consideration.
