Budget Hearing - September 24, 2026

The City of Homewood held a budget hearing on September 24, 2026, focusing on the review and discussion of the upcoming fiscal year's budget. Key procurement-related topics included the allocation of funds for capital projects such as sidewalk engineering and design, with a $200,000 budget proposed to prepare the Salt Road sidewalk project for bidding by October 2027. Council members emphasized the importance of strategic budgeting to ensure sustainable financial management and highlighted the need for improved purchasing protocols or a procurement department to better manage contracts and expenditures. Discussions also covered the reduction of outside financial consulting services from $150,000 to $50,000 next year due to the hiring of a finance director, and the allocation of funds for police patrol officers. The council expressed commitment to maintaining essential city services while addressing budget constraints and improving financial transparency, including plans to provide monthly financial reports to the council. No formal votes were recorded during this session, but the council prepared to finalize and vote on the budget in an upcoming meeting.