Council directs staff to set aside $250,000 in sales tax for capital projects

Councilman Wayne Winsor moved to "direct city staff to take $250,000 of sales tax revenue up to 25% of FY 2027 budget for capital projects fund and to track the capital reserves fund," a motion seconded by Councilman Blair Halverson and approved unanimously by the council. The motion formalizes a minimum set-aside approach to build capital project reserves rather than relying solely on bonding.

Council members said the policy change should be accompanied by a five-year outlook showing anticipated capital needs and funding sources. Mayor Rod Westbroek and staff indicated further work will define which projects receive the reserved funds and that staff will present tracking mechanisms to the council.