Council extends budget authority 60 days and forms ad hoc to address $100k shortfall

Interim staff told the council that leadership transitions and the loss of a financial contractor delayed adoption of the FY 25‑26 budget. To avoid interruption of city services, staff asked for a second 60‑day extension of appropriations so the city can continue to operate under the prior year's spending authority while completing the new budget.

Council discussed the city’s approximately $100,000 projected deficit, asked for greater transparency on disbursements and proposed an ad hoc committee to help develop, assess and tighten the budget. The council approved a resolution authorizing the temporary extension and appointed council members to an ad hoc committee to work with staff. Staff said discretionary or non‑essential expenditures will be held pending further review.

The resolution authorizes continued payments within the prior budget limits while the ad hoc works with staff to refine revenues, identify potential belt‑tightening measures, and return a full budget to council for adoption.