Mayor Bott presented his proposed 2025-26 budget to the City Council during their regular meeting Thursday, May 1.
Highlights include:
A small increase in power rates along with reducing the PPAC to zero. Together, this means a small net decrease in the per-kWh rate.
Completion of several "generational" infrastructure projects, including the overpass on Forest Street, relocation of power lines, replacement of the penstock lines, and a new substation on Watery Lane.
A small increase in the property tax rate to fund unexpected increases in the Fleet Fund due to high replacement costs of vehicles and heavy equipment.
The City Council will now hold a series of work sessions to discuss the proposed budget. These are open to the public. Initially, the scheduled work sessions include:
May 15, 5pm—to discuss power rates
May 22, 6pm—continuation of power rate discussion and beginning of discussion about the proposed property tax increase, focusing on how the proposed increase will support the fleet fund and public safety
An additional date will be scheduled in June to discuss the proposed property tax increase; this date will be scheduled during the May 22 work session
View the full budget here (pdf).
View the mayor's presentation here (video).