The Davenport City Council convened on February 8, 2025, to present the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, focusing on various facilities and capital improvement projects. The meeting highlighted significant investments in library services, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance.

The discussion began with an overview of library projects, particularly the Fairmount Library, which is set to undergo a roof replacement in 2026, followed by interior painting. The city allocates $465,000 annually for library materials across its three branches, which has proven essential, as indicated by a recent citizen survey where library services ranked highly in community satisfaction.

Next, the council addressed various facility projects, including a roof replacement and flooring updates at River's Edge. The Freight House and Union Station will see masonry and electrical repairs, with the Freight House project estimated at over $300,000. The police station is slated for water mitigation work to address aging infrastructure, with plans for a design contract in the next council cycle.

The police training center will also receive renovations to accommodate long-range rifle training, with potential federal grant opportunities being explored. Additionally, the fire department's live fire training center is set for refurbishment, costing $175,000.

Public works projects include the construction of a new salt storage building, with an investment of $650,000 planned for the upcoming fiscal year. The council also discussed future facility maintenance projects, such as HVAC upgrades to ensure competitive pricing and efficiency.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to maintaining and improving essential services and facilities, reflecting community priorities as determined through citizen feedback. The council emphasized the importance of local decision-making in determining funding for these critical projects.