Jasper City Council | October 15, 2026

The Jasper City Council meeting on October 15, 2026, approved an ordinance setting the millage rate at 7.636, an increase of 1.5 mills; one council member opposed the increase and urged spending reductions. Council also reviewed the preliminary 2027 budget, which includes a proposed 10% increase in water and sewer rates. Staff said the budget contains no new full-time positions and that significant department requests may require use of fund balance or further council direction. A public hearing on the 2027 budget was scheduled for November 19; no final budget or capital-purchase approvals were made at this meeting.

Fire Chief Shear presented potential capital and staffing needs, including site improvements estimated at $36,186, a training building (stated as $327,000) and an estimated $35,000 water line and hydrant, a breathing-air fill station estimated at $76,667, communications upgrades at $30,000, turnout gear and rescue equipment estimated at $60,000, and station improvements estimated at $35,000. The department also discussed replacing vehicles and a fire engine, and requested three additional positions. These were requests for budget consideration, not approved purchases; the chief said competing local vendor quotes would be sought for the site work if authorized. Separately, staff said it was preparing to advertise for proposals to manage water collection and distribution, while noting that privatization due diligence had been suspended. No vendor selection or contract award occurred.