The council took steps in finalizing the 2026 budget, with particular emphasis on balancing fiscal responsibility with community needs. The 6.9% increase in the city levy, projected to cost homeowners an additional $17.71 for a property valued at $250,000, was a focal point of discussion. The council highlighted that the broader tax bill would also include contributions from other taxing jurisdictions, stressing that the city’s role in the overall tax increase was comparatively minor. The rationale for the levy increase was tied to the necessity of capital improvements and modernization, notably at the city hall, to enhance service provision.

Alongside the budget approval, the council addressed the complexities of managing taxpayer funds, including unforeseen expenditures due to weather conditions affecting snowplowing operations and the associated overtime costs. Personnel and payroll adjustments were another topic. The council agreed on a 3% cost of living increase for non-union employees, alongside minor hikes in health insurance premiums. These adjustments reflect ongoing efforts to maintain competitive compensation and address market pressures, especially for seasonal positions such as lifeguards and recreation leaders, who were proposed to receive a $1 per hour wage increase. The importance of competitive wages was underscored by the recent turnover in staff and the hiring of over a dozen new non-union employees, emphasizing the city’s role as a significant employer.

The council’s financial discussions extended to equipment financing, where they agreed to issue an equipment certificate for $713,000 to replace outdated machinery. This decision, financed through a five-year note, aims to enhance operational efficiency while cutting down on long-term costs. The council also authorized the sale of surplus equipment to support these replacement efforts financially.

Revenue sources for the general fund were scrutinized, with property taxes and state municipal aid identified as the primary contributors. Public safety, including police and fire departments, emerged as the largest expenditure category. A public safety fund, initially supported by state grants, was being phased out, with a policy shift towards using one-time funds for one-time purchases.

The council members expressed mutual respect and appreciation for the comprehensive budget deliberations, acknowledging the challenges of balancing fiscal prudence with community priorities. Long-term planning emerged as a theme, with discussions on the future of the city hall project framed as an investment towards cost savings. The council stressed the importance of thoughtful investment and public engagement, encouraging residents to reach out personally with concerns or feedback.

Further policy matters included the Paid Family Medical Leave Act (PFMLA), where the council approved a revised policy to comply with state mandates. The policy will now be referred to as PFML to distinguish it from the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The city opted to secure coverage through MetLife, a private company offering better rates than the state. The policy’s approval was deemed urgent to meet the year-end deadline, with acknowledgment given to Dawn, the HR generalist, for her role in drafting the policy.

Additional agenda items included the approval of a legal services contract for 2026-2027, which incorporated a $15 per hour increase for attorneys and the inclusion of AI for research purposes. The council expressed optimism about potential efficiency gains from AI, although they emphasized the need for careful oversight to ensure accuracy. The law firm was asked to report potential cost savings from AI in their annual review.

The council also discussed a new employment agreement with the Housing Authority, supporting affordable housing initiatives by integrating HA employees into the city workforce. This agreement, already endorsed by the HA board, aligns with the city’s ongoing efforts to bolster affordable housing options.

Concluding the meeting, the council reviewed a proposed collective bargaining agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services. The agreement, covering the police department, included wage increases for officers, detectives, and sergeants, along with modifications to emergency response time requirements and an increased uniform allowance for new officers. The council approved the union contract unanimously.