River Falls City Council Workshop - Budget 10/13/26

The City of River Falls held a budget workshop on October 13, 2026, to review the proposed 2027–2028 operating and capital budgets ahead of scheduled budget ordinance readings and adoption. Staff described the budget as focused on maintaining existing services, public safety, and financial sustainability; most operating increases reflect inflation, wages, insurance, utilities, and other costs rather than new programs. The proposed 2027 budget amount presented was $7,517,996, alongside a city operations tax levy of approximately $8.95 million. No budget or procurement votes were taken. The first budget reading was planned for October 27, with a public hearing, second reading, and adoption scheduled for November 10; council members may propose amendments before adoption.

Capital and utility spending discussed included transportation projects such as Connect River Falls, downtown reconstruction, and the North Main Street mill and overlay; a $2.2 million combined budget over the five-year CIP for the wastewater dryer facility and Locust Street extension; and a $265,000 solar panel project. The city also recently closed borrowing for the fire station through 2026A promissory notes; a prior $890,000 general-fund transfer helped cash-finance part of that project. The solid waste budget reflects the updated garbage and recycling contract with Waste Management, while recurring budgeting for Merchant McIntyre was noted. A council member asked staff to explore options for assisting a community organization with water hookup costs and requested a proposal be brought back; no funding was included in the budget. A long-term downtown mural concept was raised for future consideration, without a request for immediate funding or action.