City Council Budget Workshop Meeting 10/26/2026

The City of Eureka Springs held a budget workshop on October 26, 2026, reviewing financial reports through August and discussing capital projects and proposed midyear budget amendments. Staff reported that both water-and-sewer pumps had been purchased, gas-tank work was complete, and wastewater-treatment-plant rehabilitation engineering and the sludge-storage project were among the ongoing costs discussed; sludge storage was reported at about $297,000. The wastewater rehabilitation was described as a $6.5 million project. The proposed amendment includes $1.2 million in both revenue and expenditures for Black Bass Dam stabilization, with additional matching revenue and expenses for Music Park rehabilitation. These amendments were presented for later review, not approved at this workshop; staff said the budget would be discussed at a subsequent meeting.

Transit capital purchases were also reviewed: one 29-foot trolley had arrived, a second was ordered and expected by year-end, and the status of a proposed 24-foot low-floor trolley was unclear pending follow-up with the state. The city expects an 80% state reimbursement for the first trolley and is receiving delayed operating reimbursements, but has not yet received the trolley’s capital reimbursement. No contract awards or procurement votes were recorded. The workshop also reviewed sales-tax receipts, fund balances, and the city’s remaining bond payments.