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Council approves first reading of 2026 budget; public commenters raise timing and transfer concerns
Summary
Council approved the first reading of the 2026 budget Nov. 3. Discussion focused on general fund drawdowns (staff said final draft will not include drawdowns), COLA, health insurance costs and police staffing. Public commenters questioned a proposed transfer to the streets fund and whether the budget was premature.
Council approved the first reading of the ordinance adopting the 2026 Budget at the Nov. 3 meeting. Councilmember Rhonda Salerno moved the ordinance with Councilmember Gail Fleming seconding. During council discussion, members asked about general fund drawdowns, cost‑of‑living adjustments (COLA) for staff, health insurance costs, police staffing levels and the mayor’s salary; Director of Finance Kelly Beech clarified that the final draft will not include fund drawdowns. Chief of Police Tavier Wasser explained cost variations when hiring a new officer.
Public commenters raised concerns about the draft timeline and specific fund transfers. Dominique Emerson asked about a transfer of funds from the general fund to the streets fund and whether the establishment of a transportation district affected that transfer; she also recommended edits to the cemetery ordinance. Thomas Gill told the council he was concerned the budget was premature; Mayor Horstman and staff replied that state deadlines required the current timetable and that changes would be identified in the final budget packet. The motion for first reading passed unanimously.
