City Council - Regular Meeting

Hello, Cookville. I'm City Manager James Mills. Today I'm joined by Finance Director Jenny Niswander to discuss the fiscal year 26-27 budget approved by the City Council last Thursday and to highlight some of the key investments planned for the coming year. One thing many people may not realize is that the budget process begins months before it comes before the City Council. Each department submits requests for personnel, equipment, capital projects, and operational needs. These requests are reviewed by the finance director and myself. Priorities are evaluated and a budget is developed before being presented to the city council for consideration.

The budget for all funds for fiscal year 2026 to 2027 totals $244.5 million, with the General Fund accounting for approximately $45.2 million of that amount. The General Fund is the City's primary operating fund and supports many of the day-to-day services residents rely on, including police, fire, leisure services, public works, planning, codes, economic development, and administration. While the General Fund budget is slightly lower than the previous fiscal year, the budget continues to prioritize investments in city services, infrastructure, public safety, and employees.

One of the most important investments we can make is our employees. Over the past several years, we've made a concerted effort to improve employee pay. I'm grateful that the Council supported this continuing progress in next year's budget. The budget includes a $2,000 market adjustment for all full-time employees. merit-based raises of up to 2% based on performance evaluations, and updates to employee pay scales. These investments help us attract and retain the talented employees who provide services to our community every day.

The budget also includes several significant capital purchases and infrastructure investments. Major equipment purchases include a new aerial fire truck, public safety vehicles, heavy equipment for public works, and technology upgrades that improve efficiency and service delivery. The budget also funds more than $30 million in capital projects, including transportation improvements, infrastructure upgrades, public safety investments, and quality of life projects throughout the city.

Maintaining our streets and implementing our major street plan remain a top priority. This year's budget includes $2 million for street paving, continuing the city's commitment to improving street conditions and maintaining critical infrastructure throughout Cookville. The budget also includes funding to initiate two new street projects, Phase 3 of East 10th Street and a new east-west connection between South Willow and South Jefferson Avenues.

On the revenue side, sales tax continues to be one of the city's largest sources of revenue. The budget projects approximately $21.2 million in sales tax collections, representing about 2% growth over the current fiscal year. Residents often have questions about property taxes, especially during a reappraisal year. The budget assumes adoption of the state certified tax rate, which is designed to be revenue neutral following reappraisals and maintain the same overall level of property tax revenue.

This budget reflects our commitment to investing in our employees, maintaining and improving infrastructure, supporting public safety, and preparing for future growth while remaining responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. We appreciate the work of our department directors, city staff, finance department, and city council throughout the budget process. Thank you for watching this week's Cookville City Update.