City Council adjusts budget including utility rate decreases and capital improvements for FY26
June 03, 2025 | Cody, Park County, Wyoming
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The Cody City Council's recent budget meeting highlighted significant adjustments to the proposed fiscal plan for 2026, reflecting both challenges and opportunities for the community. Among the key changes, the council approved a $22,080 increase for the city attorney contract while also reducing interfund transfers to the technology replacement fund by $100,000. Notably, the budget includes $3,500 for security cameras at Mentock Park and a substantial $200,000 allocation for the Westgard Waterline Extension, aimed at improving local infrastructure.
In a move to ease financial burdens on residents, the council removed proposed increases in solid waste, wastewater, and electric utility rates. The water utility rate increase was adjusted from 9% to a more manageable 3%, and the storm drainage utility rate increase was lowered from 9% to 5%. These changes are expected to provide some relief to households facing rising costs.
The projected revenue for the upcoming fiscal year stands at approximately $43.998 million, marking a 1.6% decrease from the previous year. Meanwhile, budgeted expenditures are anticipated to decrease by $5.5 million, bringing the total to about $49.11 million. The council reported an ending fund balance of $42.17 million, which includes various categories of cash and investments, ensuring a stable financial outlook despite the challenges.
Public comment during the meeting raised concerns about the accuracy of media reports regarding the budget. Resident Heidi Rasmussen pointed out discrepancies in articles that suggested the city would maintain a balanced budget despite a projected $1.4 million deficit in the general fund. She emphasized the importance of sustainable spending practices, warning that continued high expenditures could jeopardize the city's financial health in the future.
As the council moves forward, these discussions and decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the community's fiscal landscape and addressing the needs of residents. The next steps will involve careful monitoring of the budget's implementation and ongoing engagement with the public to ensure transparency and accountability in city finances.
In a move to ease financial burdens on residents, the council removed proposed increases in solid waste, wastewater, and electric utility rates. The water utility rate increase was adjusted from 9% to a more manageable 3%, and the storm drainage utility rate increase was lowered from 9% to 5%. These changes are expected to provide some relief to households facing rising costs.
The projected revenue for the upcoming fiscal year stands at approximately $43.998 million, marking a 1.6% decrease from the previous year. Meanwhile, budgeted expenditures are anticipated to decrease by $5.5 million, bringing the total to about $49.11 million. The council reported an ending fund balance of $42.17 million, which includes various categories of cash and investments, ensuring a stable financial outlook despite the challenges.
Public comment during the meeting raised concerns about the accuracy of media reports regarding the budget. Resident Heidi Rasmussen pointed out discrepancies in articles that suggested the city would maintain a balanced budget despite a projected $1.4 million deficit in the general fund. She emphasized the importance of sustainable spending practices, warning that continued high expenditures could jeopardize the city's financial health in the future.
As the council moves forward, these discussions and decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the community's fiscal landscape and addressing the needs of residents. The next steps will involve careful monitoring of the budget's implementation and ongoing engagement with the public to ensure transparency and accountability in city finances.
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