East Ridge presents balanced FY2026–27 budget with no tax increase; priorities include roads, fleet, staff pay

City Manager Brian Coral delivered a high-level presentation of the proposed FY2026–27 budget, describing a balanced general-fund budget of approximately $29.2 million and emphasizing investments in public safety, infrastructure and personnel.

Key points in the presentation included:

- No proposed increase to the city tax rate; rates remain unchanged.
- General-fund revenue projected at just over $29.2 million, an increase of nearly $3 million from FY2025, with growth projected in local sales- and business-related taxes and building-trade permits.
- Personnel priorities: a 3% cost-of-living adjustment across the pay schedule and a 1–2% merit program for eligible employees; total direct compensation increase projected at about $750,000; TCRS retirement costs and health-insurance changes are budgeted separately ($78,000 TCRS; $235,000 health insurance in the general fund projection).
- Targeted staffing and capital: one new full-time equivalent position in Animal Services and two part-time hires (one in animal services, one in recreation); continued fleet modernization including six police cruisers and other vehicle replacements; SCBA replacements for fire department air packs; and continued road resurfacing programs.
- Major fund highlights: State Street Aid will provide $915,000 in revenue with a $600,000 paving allocation; the Capital Improvement Fund projects $1.5 million in revenue and includes $700,000 for additional resurfacing and $500,000 proposed for Springville Park; the Solid Waste (sanitation) fund projects a use of fund balance and a planned $150,000 transfer from the general fund to support operations.
- Debt service: approximately $2.5 million expected in debt-service payments next year, with longer-term debt schedules provided for council review through 2045.

Coral said, "A budget is about the people," emphasizing personnel, public safety, and long-term planning. Council members thanked staff for compiling the books and indicated a preference for one-on-one budget discussions with the city manager rather than a full workshop. Mayor Williams reiterated that the budget includes no tax increase.

What happens next: Staff will provide full budget binders to council members and the budget will proceed to first reading at the next council meeting; council members may request follow-up information or one-on-one sessions with the city manager and finance staff.