Council reviews FY2026–27 budget and CIP; wastewater pass-through increase trimmed

City Manager Clifford Blackwell walked the council through the FY2026–27 budget summary and capital-improvement program. He summarized total operating revenues and expenditures across the major operating funds and explained how grant funds and bond proceeds are reflected in the CIP. "This year's budget will raise more taxes than last year's budget by x amount of dollars or x percent," Blackwell said while explaining required disclosure language and one-time funding sources.

During the water-fund portion of the presentation, Blackwell reported that the Red Oak Creek Regional Wastewater system reduced a planned pass-through increase from approximately $3,100,000 to roughly $1,600,000 for the coming year; he adjusted water-fund expenditures accordingly (to about $11,957,000). Councilmembers asked for clarifications on handouts and timeline assumptions; staff said they would update packet exhibits and circulate alternative supplemental exhibits ahead of the Sept. 15 meeting.