Budget Process

Schedule for Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal and School Operating Budget

The City Manager must provide the next fiscal year operating and capital budget to the Mayor at least 16 weeks prior to the start of the next fiscal year. The Mayor shall review, but not revise, said budget, prepare a budget message and submit the budget and message to the City Council for its consideration and approval at least 12 weeks prior to the start of said fiscal year. 

Budget Workshops: The City Council has four budget workshops planned in April. Workshops will begin at 6pm in the City Council Chambers (46 Front Street). Each department will be reviewed, and the public will have the opportunity to ask questions and/or comment at the end of each workshop. 

Public Hearing and Council Discussion: After the four budget workshops, the City Council will hold a public hearing to hear questions and/or comments from the public on the budget. Following the hearing, one final Council budget workshop will be held before a budget order is brought forward for a vote.  

Key Dates:

  • Week of March 2, 2026 – City Manager provides budget to the Mayor
  • Week of March 23, 2026 – Mayor prepares budget message and City Council receives proposed budget
  • April 2, 2026 – Review of:
    • Overview & Summary
    • Customer Service
    • Finance
    • Public Works
    • Parks & Recreation
    • Pine Grove Cemetery
    • Fire & EMS
    • Police
  • April 7, 2026 (before City Council meeting)– Review of:
    • Administration
    • Assessing
    • City Clerk
    • Community/Economic Development
    • Engineering
    • Human Resources
    • Information Technology
    • Public Library
    • Planning
  • April 16, 2026 – Review of:
    • Schools
  • April 21, 2026 (before City Council meeting) – Review of:
    • Airport
    • Health & Welfare
    • Code Enforcement
    • Third Party Request
    • Debt Services
    • TIFs (including outside agencies)
    • Capital Improvement Plan
    • Revenue
  • April 23, 2026 – Public Hearing on proposed FY26 Municipal and School Operating Budget
  • May 7, 2026 – Final Council Discussion 
  • May 19, 2026 – First Reading of the FY26 Municipal and School Operating Budget
  • June 2, 2026 – Second Reading of the FY26 Municipal and School Operating Budget