Stafford council adopts FY2026–27 budget with $150,000 efficiency study and drainage funding

The Stafford City Council voted Sept. 30 to adopt the city's FY2026–27 budget after approving two amendments: a $150,000 efficiency study and a $100,000 reallocation to residential drainage programs.

Councilmember (S6) moved to approve the budget as presented and the motion was seconded; during debate councilmember (S5) proposed adding $250,000 for drainage but that amendment failed for lack of a second. Later, councilmember (S10) moved to reallocate $100,000 from an unallocated rollover to residential drainage, and the council included that allocation in the adopted budget. The council also approved a $150,000 efficiency audit funded from fund balance; the mayor announced the motion passed.

Proponents said the modifications address immediate infrastructure needs without a new recurring tax. "I will bring back to council to revisit the stormwater utility fee," Committee member (S5) said during discussion, framing the drainage allocation as an interim step while broader revenue options are studied. Council supporters argued the efficiency audit could identify operational savings; opponents warned that using fund balance and paying for an outside study would further deplete reserves.

The approved package leaves the city with a combination of reallocations and a one-time new expenditure for the audit. Council and staff signaled follow-up work: staff were asked to detail the audit scope, report back on the proposed residential drainage projects and return to the council with any proposals for a formal stormwater utility.