[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6465514,"mediaKeyId","5894952-3d054790def5b617f465cc53ca6b9ed0","parentId",5894952,"title","Evansville Utility leaders outline groundwater plan, V‑Slough enclosure and major capital slate for 2026","audioSeconds",549,"startMs",12577155,"endMs",13126905,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5894952-3d054790def5b617f465cc53ca6b9ed0&start=12577&end=13126","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5894952-3d054790def5b617f465cc53ca6b9ed0/thumbnail_12577155.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6465514/Evansville-City/Vanderburgh-County/Indiana/Evansville-Utility-leaders-outline-groundwater-plan-VSlough-enclosure-and-major-capital-slate-for-2026","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6465514-6fd85c78239e48f2a7d1dc81f0ba85a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185090&Signature=K1AsZqx~w42rhmuaLgLz-noLwQHIsGgS3IgS~EK5resyFEamKv3okh0mkJC56kiRu82UQPluKb0qPGnjRgoO3VmQKtirw0FBW5GYt1f-RjrgUx5Eco70LPXgaRyqQwxUGsj1EI0di-PgvTnrQWadi76n-oeqKEubSonAGi4BHDqXFQOOYgaqNR98K9Z-ruxHCrHKJwyHzOw-EMaO7fMmj5ORKqZJ-YxaogqIN3IJNri8PF3jOt6hHai1AN83jSRLCHp57ZmNtHI~x1x8XwKp4ynAVVbIgDMFUDbJC4qqyb3lCHBY9v~XAQb6Y2ig7UXLgyGsOVbtlUulLgKaA-im4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Evansville","date","2025-09-09T00:00:00Z","article","Evansville Water and Sewer Utility officials described a 2026 operating and capital program that centers on a groundwater strategy for potable supply, major sewer-system projects and higher electricity costs that are driving part of the budget increase.

Vic Kelson, executive director of Evansville Water and Sewer Utility, said the groundwater plan — a regional source and treatment approach — would save the utility about $100,000,000 in upfront capital compared with building a new surface‑water plant and reduce future operations costs. Kelson said the utility expects to advance design contracts in the coming weeks and to finance construction through bonds and previously collected reserves.

Kelson also flagged planned sewer work: design contracts for the V‑Slough enclosure (a project that will use multiple box culverts and a new lift station) are expected to be awarded in late 2025, with construction anticipated in 2026. Utility finance staff (Keith Penny, director of finance) estimated initial construction phases for the V‑Slough work at roughly $42,000,000 and said the sewer capital plan includes multiple related separation and capacity expansions.

The utility told the council it expects to absorb higher electricity costs: staff budgeted an $1,800,000 increase in electric expenses for 2026 because the utility is a large electricity consumer, particularly at treatment plants. Officials said they are pursuing energy-efficiency and solar projects where practical and noted a $2,400,000 solar feasibility item in preliminary sewer capital planning for the East plant.

On rates, Kelson said the utility does not plan to request additional water or sewer rate increases in the next 2–3 years, but staff will continue to monitor electricity market changes. Keith Penny said combined utility operating revenue is budgeted at about $177,000,000 and combined operating expenses (excluding capital financed by bonds) are roughly $156,600,000 for 2026; the utilities plan more than $200,000,000 of bond‑funded capital next year alongside about $30,000,000 of operating‑funded projects.

Kelson and Penny also briefed the council on the Riverside Drive sinkhole repair, saying work is progressing and repairs are expected later in the fall. They added that the utility has been negotiating with EPA and IDEM over the long‑running integrated overflow control plan to reduce overall program costs and is optimistic about finishing the regulatory review by year‑end.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Budget Hearings","oneSentenceSummary","Utility officials preview $177 million in combined operating revenue for 2026 and a capital plan that includes a groundwater supply strategy and the V‑Slough enclosure; electricity cost increases are a significant near‑term pressure.","taxTitle","Evansville City, Vanderburgh County, Indiana","taxId",12506,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6465519,"Evansville plans to move EMS into fire department, aims for self-sustaining service by 2028",8316,519605,8835976,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5894952-3d054790def5b617f465cc53ca6b9ed0&start=519&end=8835","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5894952-3d054790def5b617f465cc53ca6b9ed0/thumbnail_519605.jpg","/articles/6465519/Evansville-City/Vanderburgh-County/Indiana/Evansville-plans-to-move-EMS-into-fire-department-aims-for-self-sustaining-service-by-2028","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6465519-6cf9afd4cadc3163381c71edf6d38eaf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185090&Signature=eepIC7~fYSz3aH8XgikoFpJrEN0dW8uiFaisH56M8w3POSzLtyi92LLm9uV7AYcbKEiWqnzw72-AO3EfkJiNjMy-IWRpGVDN2m93qNFTn8oejUw--ESuQKz8bu9LtLg5ckqTMbBxLiXJGsJUAe48Qpnv8BbheG0c57LajqHTW1n1TqMhkdMMX0pbCJPBM9mkmM7R-8GpDMPrO~pQuUxR7Rn1n~UmQg058kOqd4GGUlTnadQpmebbPRWYFNjMT4iM69dWOfTmsHFYl4QIUKbEisgCm4Rbo3ZgOPgwQpCsHsW-c4DJJrg9FgcNWyprbAf0WWzJ19XzAmp6eYjiK33PEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Evansville officials told the council they plan to bring advanced life‑support ambulance response and patient transport under the Fire Department with a target service start of July 1, 2026. The mayor’s budget presentation and subsequent department remarks described the move as part of efforts to control costs and improve service.

Mayor (Mayor, City of Evansville) said the plan to bring Evansville Emergency Medical Services in house is expected to ‘‘fully pay for itself by 2028, and then generating 3,500,000.0 annually.’’ Fire Chief (Chief Knight, Evansville Fire Department) said the administration is budgeting six months of start‑up costs for fiscal 2026 and expects that, as revenue is collected, the general fund will be reimbursed for initial expenditures.

The fire chief told council members the department will staff the in‑house EMS with a mix of 24‑hour and 12‑hour units to match call volumes. The proposed staffing noted in presentation includes a deputy chief of EMS, a public information/education manager, three supervisors and roughly 44 EMTs and paramedics dedicated to the ambulance program. Chief Knight said the department is also exploring lease-to-own financing for ambulances to avoid a large one-time capital outlay and to spread equipment replacement costs over the vehicles’ shorter lifecycle.

Finance staff said anticipated ambulance revenues for the first operating year are being estimated at about $4,142,000 and budgeted to balance the first‑year operating costs under the July 1 start. Chief Knight and controller staff said any borrowing or lease payments tied to startup equipment would be repaid from the ambulance revenues before net gains accrue to the city.

No final procurement or lease agreement was adopted during the presentation; council members asked for follow-up details about the proposed lease terms and the timing of ambulance deliveries. The administration said it was soliciting comparative lease proposals through purchasing and would return with options.","City leaders outlined a plan to bring advanced life support ambulance service under the fire department beginning July 1, 2026; administration expects the service to pay for itself within several years and is exploring leasing ambulances to spread startup costs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6465524,"Evansville mayor frames 2026 budget around SB 1 shortfall; proposes reserves, spending cuts",384,19195,404190,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5894952-3d054790def5b617f465cc53ca6b9ed0&start=19&end=404","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5894952-3d054790def5b617f465cc53ca6b9ed0/thumbnail_19195.jpg","/articles/6465524/Evansville-City/Vanderburgh-County/Indiana/Evansville-mayor-frames-2026-budget-around-SB-1-shortfall-proposes-reserves-spending-cuts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6465524-642bdcbbf2ad39843015f9d9f5bc93ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185090&Signature=QVi5Fu0aZFcQSceqN4ztjQzCBFreZGHZfQfQzwaLa-Rr~aeZdAg5bx-F-N0eoaFVkTT9XRQEyVM~zQb2EWBmXQvQhIF4oWDL1UOjpTUaRGaG4Fjsb-u0rjPlnyaoeHvkyJ846ePjMYAGDD~BJyzUTlBoe6xCa1WXdDjKVoOm4vF21Yut9v2ablRneJGrhLKgZ9tuLQqoz62d5XYPt0Yn6r5rQ~t-XeibvqKSeJhWCm~dsls~dPnLafZt~UD4ePe38Ajv8PfI3U0ZXYMgO67Ui693A1udgtRkRIa8W3~8yFoPYYnNLXDIxk8TkW1RLwPJoMh2IvwOzoGcUu-uJC8AiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor (Mayor, City of Evansville) on Tuesday outlined a proposed 2026 general fund budget of $140,200,000 and warned that state legislation known as Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SB 1) will reduce city property-tax revenue. The mayor said Evansville is likely to lose about $4,100,000 from the general fund next year and detailed a three-part response: ‘‘smart use of our reserves,’’ cost-saving measures and innovations to grow revenue.

The mayor said the proposed budget is a 1.6% increase over the current year and reflects priorities collected from residents: roads, public safety, housing, parks and updated technology. ‘‘By reviewing and approving the city budget, you play a vital role in ensuring that we allocate resources responsibly and in accordance with our city values,’’ the mayor said.

On the revenue shortfall the mayor explained the state options and local choices the bill leaves to municipalities and emphasized that the proposal does not include a new municipal income tax. The mayor said the city will use a mix of general fund reserves and a planned interfund transfer from casino funds as temporary protection for essential services. Controller Robert Gunter reinforced that the budget includes a $10.6 million interfund transfer from the casino fund as a backup: ‘‘We're not going to take it unless we absolutely need it,’’ Gunter said.

To reduce pressure on operations, the proposed 2026 budget pares back capital spending by $19,000,000 and pauses several projects and vehicle purchases, the mayor said, specifically naming projects such as zoo facility improvements and Virginia Street reconstruction as postponed. The mayor also said departments will pause new position requests and manage about 118 current vacancies strategically to limit hiring costs while still meeting service needs.

The mayor listed specific investments that remain in the package: $1,000,000 for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, a $4,500,000 paving and road safety allocation (a $1,000,000 increase), cybersecurity and digital protection spending, and $900,000 to maintain the METS Micro transit service. The mayor described use of casino reserves as a temporary measure and said the city will press the state to revisit SB 1.

The presentation included an explicit statement about fiscal trade-offs. The mayor said: ‘‘This is a temporary strategy, not one we intend to rely on year after year.’’ Gunter told council members the casino transfer would be pulled and approved on an as‑needed basis under finance ordinance procedures.

Council members and staff discussed the budget materials and the financial assumptions, including vacancy savings and the use of interfund transfers. The administration said additional details and line‑item clarifications will be provided before the ordinance advance and public hearings.","Mayor presented a $140.2 million 2026 general fund proposal and outlined three strategies to cover a projected $4.1 million hit from Indiana’s SB 1: limited use of casino reserves, expense reductions and efficiency measures, and pursuing future revenue. The proposal pauses some capital projects and does not include a municipal income tax increase.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6465510,"Budget preserves park investments, keeps METS Micro operating while pausing some capital projects",0,5245595,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5894952-3d054790def5b617f465cc53ca6b9ed0&start=5245&end=5245","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5894952-3d054790def5b617f465cc53ca6b9ed0/thumbnail_5245595.jpg","/articles/6465510/Evansville-City/Vanderburgh-County/Indiana/Budget-preserves-park-investments-keeps-METS-Micro-operating-while-pausing-some-capital-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6465510-83b6c25f88092ceab9a62c3ed7ad7625/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185090&Signature=mRp7MYlCkLO5VdmxDXtc7oSkEHfbV4o3i2gFTsshqXg1IsVZ9ohOZ-4qDANhyaG-RPZo1pFZKOixWvfH9yKyy6Ztx2Q0ApYdOfJN1HMKgc~PWDA7oSYu6N2ptmTKo0JvSlj52jcuLbd7bCtJTLReEDVmkT79blT6fpyck7qta8qVqvyBjAnpppABSMevYARaKBR8Nk-9L6lg1Tse5rnHbs-ElX0jVpIMR0ogwUVt3lig4GTAXQ-9f6Yk3TuhTifQ5QF-7snvdJlOHBAQWGpSYaDBpRvSRiIxiGwrUpKB4xbo9puWEWtj1WeKA6he4hYtA3UTMenzAe1Je~VF0CBqLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City leaders presented 2026 operating and capital plans for parks and microtransit that emphasize maintenance of existing services and selective investments while deferring larger projects.

Danielle Crook, executive director of Parks and Recreation, told the council the department maintains 46 parks and 22 special-use facilities across roughly 1,600 acres. The parks budget retains funding for neighborhood park improvements, turf and sports field work, playground replacements and modest park amenities. Crook said a $100,000 line for work-order tablets and a $50,000 request for HVAC or structural painting at Swaner Ice Arena are among items proposed in the parks CIP.

The mayor said the budget doubles the city’s allocation to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and specifically lists a $1,000,000 investment in the proposed 2026 budget. The mayor also told the council the METS Micro service remains funded at $900,000 to maintain current service levels; expansion to all neighborhoods is not possible under the current revenue picture.

Transportation staff said the city intends to continue METS Micro in existing service areas and is pursuing feasibility work for larger transit governance options. Mayor said the administration will take steps toward separating regional transit governance and ‘‘laying groundwork to explore a regional transit authority with our partners.’’ Todd Robertson, transportation services, noted METS Micro’s ridership growth from about 22,000 to more than 38,000 rides year-to-date and said staff are seeking partners and corporate donors to support limited expansions.

No formal council actions were taken; directors and the mayor said they will provide more detailed CIP page numbers and line-item clarifications before the council’s ordinance hearings.","Mayor and department directors described continued emphasis on neighborhood parks, a $1 million allocation for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and $900,000 to maintain the METS Micro microtransit program; parks officials listed maintenance and small capital requests while administration paused larger projects amid budget tightening.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Evansville Utility leaders outline groundwater plan, V‑Slough enclosure and major capital slate for 2026

Evansville plans to move EMS into fire department, aims for self-sustaining service by 2028

Evansville mayor frames 2026 budget around SB 1 shortfall; proposes reserves, spending cuts

Budget preserves park investments, keeps METS Micro operating while pausing some capital projects