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Rockdale reviews draft 2026–27 budget; staff reports $312,000 gap, discusses pool deck and street projects
Summary
City staff presented a draft FY 2026–27 budget showing a remaining shortfall of about $312,000 after cuts; council discussed options including postponing the pool-deck replacement, advancing a $500,000 street reconstruction program, and funding a second code-enforcement position.
City staff reviewed the draft FY 2026–27 budget in a workshop format, reporting that after adjustments the general fund still shows a projected shortfall of roughly $312,000. Staff described expenditure cuts (including reducing planned vehicle purchases and trimming demolition/community cleanup funding) and noted the budget continues to target street reconstruction and a contribution toward a fire truck and station financing.
"What you have before you right now, we're in the red about $312,000 in total," Tim told council as he reviewed the updates. He outlined three options for addressing the shortfall: finding additional cuts, using reserves for a one-time shortfall, or increasing revenues over time. Staff emphasized capital priorities including a proposed $500,000 street reconstruction program (funded with a $100,000 general-fund transfer and tax-note proceeds) and a $100,000 pool-deck replacement that could be timed to avoid simultaneous pool operation costs.
Councilors questioned whether pool operations could be reduced while the deck is replaced; the mayor said public access to a city pool is an important community amenity: "I want our citizens to have a city pool," the chair said. Staff also reviewed enterprise funds (water, sewer and solid waste), reported increases tied to new construction and rate changes, and warned several grant reimbursements (including a generator grant) will be carried into the next fiscal year as encumbrances because work and reimbursement timing extend past Oct. 1.
Council provided direction to staff to continue refining the budget, pursue the specified cuts and transfers, and return for final adoption after the public hearing process.
