City Council Work Session 10/29/2026

City of Seward City Council budget work session, October 29, 2026, reviewed the FY 2027–28 draft budget for police, parks and recreation, healthcare, and capital infrastructure. The police budget proposes converting an existing jail sergeant position to a patrol sergeant, rather than adding a new city position, and reflects costs for four recently hired officers, including academy training at about $15,000 per officer. Council discussed overtime estimates and costs for Axon body-camera equipment and Tyler Technologies dispatch services; administration said it would correct the animal-control overtime estimate. Parks and Recreation described moving parking and campground activity into an enterprise fund, with visitor revenues supporting community services, and outlined prospective park and facility projects. No spending or procurement votes were taken.

For healthcare, the draft includes $1.1 million for the healthcare enterprise fund, including a proposed $750,000 pass-through to Providence for capital and related needs under the operating contract; the fund balance was reported at about $6.7 million. Providence’s requests include equipment, facility upgrades, and construction for a specialty clinic. The capital plan proposes transfers of $900,000 in FY 2027 and $472,000 in FY 2028 to the capital acquisition fund, with projects including a $110,000 phone-system upgrade, road-paving engineering, and $750,000 for sidewalk repairs. Administration cautioned that the draft project total needed correction. Council members and public commenters suggested, but did not secure approval for, $75,000 toward accessible fishing areas and a $50 million placeholder for a possible new hospital. The budget is scheduled for further discussion at upcoming public hearings.