Orono receives midyear financial update; council awards facility assessment contract

City finance staff presented the unaudited second‑quarter 2026 financial update and council approved a contract for a city facilities condition assessment.

Finance staff (Miss Jin) said general fund revenue stands at 59.5% of budget through quarter two, with property tax the largest revenue source and licenses and permits running at about 79%. Charges for services showed an elevated share due to timing of a police service contract, and interest income is minimal this year (0.3% recognized to date). The insurance fund has shown a high year‑to‑date expenditure proportion (about 99.4%) driven by workers’ compensation and property‑casualty premium payments and unbudgeted claims.

On facilities, staff described an RFP to evaluate city building conditions and repurposing options for the old public‑works facility. Staff recommended awarding the contract to a Kraus Anderson and Wold team; the lump sum fee cited in the recommendation was $28,265.84. Council authorized staff to enter the contract.

Staff said the facility study will provide condition assessments and 20‑year repair and improvement recommendations and will estimate costs to convert the old public‑works facility for future uses such as recreation, emergency staging, or general storage.