Budget Hearing - September 21, 2026

The City of Homewood held a budget hearing on September 21, 2026, focusing extensively on the fiscal year 2027 budget, including revisions, capital projects, and departmental funding. Key procurement-related discussions included adjustments to contractual services, notably reducing the scope and budget for CRI from $150,000 to $50,000, and allocating $90,000 for OpenGov implementation. The city reviewed capital improvement projects such as elevator refurbishments, stormwater management, sidewalk repairs, and public works building renovations, with detailed budget allocations and considerations for potential cost overruns. Vehicle and equipment purchases were also discussed, including outfitting 14 new police vehicles and replacing firefighting equipment. The council debated balancing the budget with a $3 million shortfall, considering using fund balance carryover and potential cuts to capital projects. Staffing costs were a significant topic, with approval for three additional police officers and discussions on hiring freezes and budget impacts. Concerns were raised about high legal fees, particularly a $485,000 city attorney contract, suggesting potential savings. The meeting concluded with plans for further work sessions to refine the budget and address outstanding financial challenges.