Covington Development News

City Council Reviews Proposed Budgets, Discusses Amendments and Fiscal Health

The City Council engaged in a detailed discussion and first reading of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, as well as a budget amendment for fiscal year 2025-2026. The discussions covered various departmental budgets, including general government administration, public works, police, and fire departments, with particular attention to salary and wage increases, overtime, holiday pay, incentive pay, benefits, and payroll taxes. Concerns were raised regarding variances between budgeted amounts and actual expenses, the impact of amendments, and the accuracy of revenue projections, specifically for real and personal property taxes. Several proposed changes were discussed for inclusion in the budget amendment, such as adding three new EMS personnel for a full 12 months and including the Stryker system for the fire department. The council also debated the inclusion of the Hollingsworth Field Lighting Project and the community event programming budget. Discrepancies in fund balance reporting and asset accounting were also addressed, with a focus on ensuring financial transparency and stability. The first reading of Ordinance 2026-10, which amends the budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, was conducted, detailing changes in revenues and expenditures across various departments and funds.