City Council Budget Work Session Oct 28 2026

The City of Seward City Council held a budget work session on October 28, 2026, reviewing proposed FY 2027–28 budgets for the library, harbor/SMIC, and electric departments. The library budget would increase about 5.3%, with building maintenance, HVAC/boiler repairs, and janitorial service among the cost drivers. A full-time library position is proposed through reallocation from City Hall, rather than as a net new position. Harbor staff proposed a 10% plus CPI increase to travel-lift rates for 2027 and 2028, and passing credit-card processing fees on to users; wharfage rates are due to change in 2028 under a prior resolution. Staff cited a $35,000 replacement cable for the 300-ton travel lift and discussed increasing maintenance costs. No votes were taken during the work session.