Last Monday, August 3, was the first reading of the proposed General Fund Budget at a special study session following the usual city council meeting.

This proposed budget only covers proposed general fund operating expenses and revenues, such a salaries and software licensing costs, and new operating proposals for 2027. It lays out the starting point for the 2027 budget decision making.

Of note, the recommendations feature a proposed 13% variance (increase) in the Police Department operating budget, and a 9.8% proposed variance for Community Development due to a merger with the Building and Energy Department.

In total, the report features a proposed 0.7% variance in department operating budgets from 2026.

You can review the preliminary budget as a presentation below.

There will be more discussions about the budget. Come find us at city council sessions through the fall and early winter.

You can also read the agenda item on the report starting on page 418 of this week’s City Council agenda packet.