Lincoln Park holds public hearing on proposed FY 2026–27 budget; city projects $29.98 million in general fund revenue

The Lincoln Park City Council on Monday received a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget, which city staff said is balanced with projected general fund revenues of $29,978,943 and matching appropriations.

City manager Lisa Jones summarized the proposal and highlighted that the projected fund balance at the end of the current fiscal year is $5.7 million, placing reserves “just under our 20% policy” at roughly 19%. She told council the budget reflects “minor cuts” to address staffing and includes some capital items, though officials said it does not fully meet the city’s capital needs for aging buildings and infrastructure.

Jones reported projected revenues for major and local road funds (major roads: revenues $4.6 million, expenditures $4.1 million; local roads: revenues $3.1 million, expenditures $2.4 million) and said two full-time road-fund positions are budgeted to address aging infrastructure. She also summarized water and sewer projections (revenue $16.9 million; expenditures $17.7 million under current rates) and said the city is finishing a water and sewer rate study; a study session with the consultant is scheduled for June 22, with a council decision on any rate changes expected at the first July meeting.

On sanitation, Jones said revenues are projected at $3.4 million with appropriations of $3.5 million; the proposed rubbish fee would increase slightly from the current level and the recycling fee would see a small quarterly increase. Council members asked how long the sanitation fund balance could be used to offset fees; Jones said reserves were being used and that the practice may be limited to the next fiscal year to preserve year-end cash flow.

The public hearing closed with no speakers on the budget item. Council approved a consent agenda that included minutes, accounts payable, and several solicitations for bids. The council also approved the meeting’s action items, including setting a $300 water-meter replacement fee for homeowner-caused inside-meter damage and authorizing ballot language for a November millage override (see separate actions). The meeting adjourned after routine council reports and community announcements.

What’s next: the council will hold a study session June 22 for the water and sewer rate study and is scheduled to consider final budget adoption at its first meeting in July.