Budget talks, police promotions, and water distribution projects will take center stage when the Fort Dodge City Council reconvenes tomorrow evening. The budget workshop will begin at 5:00PM, with the regular business meeting beginning at 6:00PM.
According to the presentation materials, the City’s general fund will be the focus of this budget workshop. The general fund is the main operating fund for cities in Iowa. This included police and fire. According to the materials released, it appears the city will face a nearly half million dollar general fund deficit for the fiscal year 2027.
Last year, the fiscal year 2026 general fund was estimated to come in around a $400,000 deficit. That number looks like it is coming in closer to a $530,000 deficit.
Some notable items in the budget talks include a rent increase at the Law Enforcement Center, as well as the addition of Essential EMS being injected into the EMS budget. The City is budgeting for $1,237,131 in additional EMS revenue. Much of that influx in cash is earmarked for a second fire station.
During the business portion of the meeting, the council will consider awarding some water distribution system projects. The projects include water improvements near Kenyon Road and Highway 169, as well as near Avenues O and B. Doyle is the qualified low bidder on both projects.
A couple of civil service appointments are also on the agenda. Sergeant Webb will be introduced as Lieutenant, and Detective Thompson will be introduced as Sergeant.
