# 2026-10-06 Council

The City of Newcastle’s October 6, 2026 council meeting included a study session and public hearing on the preliminary 2027 budget. The proposed total budget appropriation is about $28.29 million, and council discussion identified a projected General Fund shortfall of roughly $1.3 million. Budget items with procurement implications included a 4% increase of about $150,000 for the police contract, higher costs under a new landscape maintenance contract, and a budget estimate of $140,000 for court-related services based on quotes for changing courts. Staff also reported that an RFP had been issued for building official and inspection services. Funding was included for a consultant to prepare the required climate element of the comprehensive plan; staff said a Commerce grant was anticipated but had not yet been awarded, and no RFP had been issued for that work. No budget or contract award was approved at this meeting; the budget hearing remains part of the review process.

Council also held a public hearing on a proposed zoning-code amendment defining data centers and server rooms and prohibiting data centers as a land use in the city. No public testimony was offered, and council members expressed support for the definitions; adoption was scheduled for October 20, with no vote taken at this meeting. The upcoming budget discussion is to cover major capital projects, including a surface-water embankment project and 2027 slurry-seal work. Council also discussed possible future revenue options, including a transportation benefit district and public-safety sales tax, without taking action to adopt them.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Professional Services
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Policy
**Published:** October 07, 2026

### Sources
- [2026-10-06 Council](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeJOd4Hh6pE) - City of Newcastle