Fountain City Council on Oct. 20 approved on first reading an amended fiscal year 2026 appropriation ordinance that adds six one‑time items to the proposed budget, includes staff pay increases described in the staff memo, and directs payment of three outstanding financed obligations.

The council voted to fund the following one‑time purchases and contingencies: a fleet mobile truck ($172,000), a refurbished electronic street message‑board trailer ($11,750), police mobile data terminals ($23,400), replacement cemetery fencing ($40,000), a facilities contingency ($50,000) and an initial subscription for a MyTown AI information tool ($18,000). Finance Director Shauna Dale said those items were identified in a packet of unfunded requests discussed at a prior work session.

The motion also directed the city to apply reserves to retire three financed obligations identified in staff materials: the PNC equipment finance balance for the RV mobile command truck ($25,187), the PNC equipment finance balance for the 2017 fire pumper ($97,717), and the UMB finance balance tied to the Lorraine Center ($490,000). Council members described the targeted payoffs as a prudent way to reduce ongoing debt service and free capacity for future priorities.

Dale briefed council on the broader budget picture before the vote: proposed 2026 general fund revenues of approximately $53.3 million, net projected uses including one‑time capital that would reduce unrestricted general fund balance by roughly $108,000, and significant intergovernmental revenue increases tied to expanded IGSA (intergovernmental service agreement) activity and specific federal grants. She said the city will pause the Water Fund franchise fee transfer to the general fund in 2026 while the utility builds operations and maintenance reserves.

Council moved the package as a single amendment to the first‑reading ordinance and asked staff to return with firm cost estimates for several items before second reading, including safety improvements requested by the planning department, detailed costs for a proposed Fire Station 4, capital planning for equipment upgrades, and a suggested volunteer appreciation event. Dale said updated figures and adjusted ordinance language would be returned before the Nov. 18 second reading.

The motion passed on a recorded council action at the meeting.