Council approves first reading of $56.8M supplemental budget, carrying forward major projects including Lake Mitchell

The Mitchell City Council approved the first reading of a supplemental appropriation ordinance that would carry approximately $56.8 million in projects and adjustments into fiscal 2026.

Finance staff said about 94% of the total ($53.4 million) represents projects started in 2025 that are being carried forward, with Lake Mitchell listed as the largest single item. About 4% represents cost increases that emerged after the original budget (including the ice arena roof), while under 2% are new requests. Some projects carry anticipated grant revenue—airport runway and hangar projects, for example—that will offset large portions of the cost.

Staff reviewed fund‑level impacts: enterprise funds (utilities) carry several large projects forward; the general fund contains storm‑drainage and streetscape carryovers; and the Park & Recreation fund includes the sports complex line where the ice arena roof increases were recorded. To preserve contingency in the face of sales‑tax pressure, staff recommended cutting a small set of discretionary park items and rebalancing reserves; staff also identified potential transfers (for example, a limited general fund transfer to the campground fund if the storm shelter bid comes in at the high end).

Council voted to approve first reading; staff will return with any changes and a second reading for final adoption at a subsequent meeting. Several council members asked for line‑item detail and assurance that grant revenues and reserves cover the larger projects.