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2026-09-15 - City Council Budget Work Session

Summary

Built from the official City Clerk minutes. No video was found, so there is no transcript or timing.

  • Budget work session, 1:03 PM to 4:24 PM in the Council Briefing Room; all 11 present.
  • Frieda presented benefits and compensation: raises of 3 percent civilian, 5 percent Fire and 4 percent Police ($48.9 million), and proposed cuts to tuition reimbursement, student loan help and a benefit advisor ($1.25 million).
  • Tate presented $65.2 million of requested amendments; Walsh said the proposal was balanced without them and explained the seven-vote requirement for a tax increase.
  • Martinez presented $173.4 million for the 22 remaining departments, under 4 percent of the budget.

Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

  • Projected shortfall of nearly $158 million through FY 2028; plan of reductions, tax capacity and fees. Mayor said about 270 positions would be eliminated if the rate failed.

Property Tax Rate Increase

  • Seven affirmative votes needed; deadline September 27, 2026.

Employee Benefits Reductions

  • Federal dispute resolution claims and rising health costs; fewer than 200 used tuition reimbursement.

Library Service Reductions

  • Kinnison: shelving down 40 percent, circulation desk visits down 62 percent.

Arts Agency Funding

  • Krystal Jones on the three-year contract and effect of a 14 percent cut.

Across-the-Board Budget Reduction

  • First discussion of the Mayor's idea.

Midtown TIRZ Extension

  • Members discussed using TIRZ funds for budget items.

Education Partnership Scholarships

  • Ready to Work funding for scholarships debated.

Sources