Department heads outline electric, water and fire needs in Shelby budget work session

Department heads told the Shelby City Council on Jan. 21 about equipment and infrastructure priorities they want included in the 2024–25 budget, focusing on electric and water system needs and fire department gear.

Tanner Stevens, listed in the minutes as the department head for electric, asked the council to consider funding to install lines and equipment at the Meadows Housing subdivision, to purchase a new bucket truck and to continue burying power lines around town. Stevens framed those items as capital and safety needs tied to ongoing housing development.

Chad Gordon, recorded as the department head for water, outlined water priorities that included installing new water and electric meters, cleaning the water tower and work on lagoon treatment systems. The minutes record these as planned capital and maintenance items rather than final budget authorizations.

Fire Chief Todd Frank told the council the fire department will budget for new turnout gear. The minutes do not list dollar amounts for gear, vehicle purchases or meter replacement; specific funding sources or line-item amounts were not specified in the session record.

Council and staff also discussed broader capital projects—housing, parks and economic development—as part of the overall budget planning. The council did not adopt a final budget at the Jan. 21 session; members scheduled continued budget discussion at the February meeting.