Geneva leaders outline FY2027 budget and timeline for police‑facility referendum

City staff presented an overview of the proposed FY2027 budget and a timeline for a police‑facility referendum during the Committee of the Whole on Feb. 2.

City Administrator Alex Voigt (participating remotely) and Finance Director Jennifer Milewski outlined the budget framework: 38 funds encompassing government, enterprise and fiduciary funds; a proposed FY2027 total budget just under $121 million; and an estimated general fund of roughly $25.2 million. Staff said the FY2027 proposal reflects a roughly 4.4% budgeted increase in personnel, a small reduction in operating expenditures, and one new non‑sworn FTE for the police department to serve as a body‑worn camera coordinator/criminal analyst.

Officials noted that ARPA spending and the closeout of several capital projects drive year‑to‑year shifts, and that the electric and water enterprise funds show capital normalization after large projects. Voigt said the council voted to place a proposed police facility referendum on the March 17 ballot; staff have been conducting virtual tours and will host three in‑person open houses at the Geneva Public Library to allow small‑group Q&A on financing, police needs and proposed building plans.

Councilmembers requested more time and printed materials to review the budget in depth and asked staff to schedule a follow‑up Committee of the Whole (tentatively Feb. 9) to address detailed questions before the Feb. 17 public hearing and adoption. Staff asked councilmembers to submit specific questions promptly so staff can prepare targeted responses.