Council amends FY25–26 budget to fund server and Founders Park items and approves utilities director appointment

During the April 7 meeting council held a public hearing and approved an ordinance to amend the FY25–26 municipal budget to carry forward unspent FY25 funds and to fund operational needs.

Key amendments include transferring roughly $440,463 (utility‑fund IT savings) to the general fund to purchase a new in‑house server to support the city’s Incode financial and upcoming time-and-attendance modules; staff explained cloud hosting was an option but would cost more annually. Dell’s current quote for an on-premises server was presented at about $63,000 and staff said price and lead times are volatile due to memory (RAM) demand; a six‑month lead time was noted. The ordinance also moves Founders Park/parking-lot improvement funds into FY26 to cover a previously approved contract increase, and raised equipment‑rental and lift‑station contingency lines in the utility fund to reflect recent repair needs.

After an executive session on personnel matters, the council returned to regular session and approved the appointment and offer letter for a utilities director as discussed in closed session; council recorded the motion and vote.