Lakewood City Council Livestream 11/2/26

The City of Lakewood Finance Committee and City Council met on November 2, 2026. The Finance Committee reviewed third-quarter 2026 finances and the outlook for the 2027 budget. Staff reported revenues and expenditures near expected levels, approximately $163 million in total debt, and about $12.5 million in annual debt payments. The city plans to use available cash where prudent, defer consideration of refinancing 2016 debt until January because interest rates are unfavorable, and limit 2027 debt issuance to previously committed projects, including Buntz Road, Beck’s Pool, CSO 59, and Winterhurst. Other major projects, including Clifton, West Clifton, and Detroit, are not planned for the 2027 budget. Council members urged continued discussion of capital priorities and specific funding for safe routes, accessibility, and active transportation improvements during budget deliberations.

Council referred to committee a proposed $300,000 purchase of approximately 23,435 square feet at the former Franklin school property, intended for public green space; the seller requested completion by the end of November, and no purchase approval occurred at this meeting. The proposed FY2027 HUD action plan and Community Development Block Grant and Emergency Solutions Grant recommendations—based on estimated awards of $1.85 million and $160,000, respectively—were referred to the Finance Committee. The Fire Department reported a $14,624 Norfolk Southern grant for firefighter personal safety equipment, which council received and filed. Proposed safe-routes measures, including a dedicated fund and school-zone speed-camera enforcement, were referred for further review; no final policy or spending approval was made.