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Beacon previews 2027 capital plan as council schedules public hearing
Summary
City staff presented a five-year capital program focused on 2027 spending and funding options, highlighting major items — fire apparatus, Beekman Street pedestrian improvements, stormwater repairs and the rail-trail — and set a public hearing for June 15 to receive public comment.
City officials gave a broad outline of a five-year capital program on the council agenda, but said the council and staff will concentrate mostly on the plan's first year, 2027, with later years listed as placeholders.
"The city code calls for a five-year program to be presented by May 31 and adopted by July 31," said Susan Tucker, the city's finance director. She said the plan divides projects among the general, water and sewer funds and that financing will include a mix of fund balance, grants and, where necessary, bonding. "Of course the operating budget includes financing costs, which we'll get into on June 1," she said.
The plan lists roughly $9.9 million in proposed capital spending across general, water and sewer funds for 2027, with higher placeholder figures in later years. Big-ticket items discussed included a $1.95 million ladder truck for the fire department, the Beekman Street pedestrian and bicycle improvement project (an 80/20 grant match), ongoing sidewalk and ADA ramp work, and recurring stormwater pipe repairs. Staff noted grants such as CHIPS and CDBG will fund or offset several street and sidewalk projects.
Councilmembers asked for more granular financing details and year‑to‑date comparisons before final adoption. The council set a public hearing on the capital program for June 15 and staff said the hearing could remain open across multiple sessions if more time is needed.
