City staff presented a draft 2027 operating and capital budget totaling $227 million (all funds), citing a $66 million drop from 2026 tied to reduced debt proceeds and a planned $4.2 million use of general-fund balance to produce a projected year-end 25% fund balance.

City staff walked the Committee of the Whole through the proposed FY2026 budget, highlighting a $30,000 strategic‑plan placeholder, reductions in public‑information spending, and proposed deferments across professional‑services and capital projects; councilors requested multiple 'circle‑backs' for data on grants, consultant fees, and senior‑service