Grand Island City Council Study Session (Budget) – August 18, 2026

The Grand Island City Council held a study session on August 18, 2026, to review the proposed FY2027 budget, including the Parks & Recreation budget, fee schedules, capital projects, and full-time equivalent (FTE) requests. The meeting highlighted a widening gap between revenue growth (projected at 1.5%-2%) and expenditure growth (personnel costs rising 4%-5%). City Administrator Patrick Brown recommended a one-year pause on all general fund FTE hires and capturing property tax growth (2.5%) to begin closing the structural deficit. Council members largely supported a cautious approach, though several requested further evaluation of specific reclassifications and a firefighter EMT position. No formal votes were taken; the budget is scheduled for adoption on September 8, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up to speak or came forward during the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Parks & Recreation Budget Proposal (Item 5a): Parks Director Todd McCoy presented the FY2027 operating budget (0.7% decrease) and a $9.2M carryover for Island Oasis renovation, plus numerous capital projects (e.g., $300K athletic field LED lights, $175K Gray Sabbath bandstand, $300K West Connector Trail city share). He requested two new full-time maintenance workers and three seasonal workers. Councilmembers asked about the Stally Train refurbishment, mini-golf opening (spring 2027), and fee integration for mini-golf with water park admissions. Mr. McCoy noted the mini-golf would be included in the water park entry fee, prompting debate about pricing.
• Fee Schedule (Item 5c): Pat Brown reviewed proposed fee changes (marked in red). Notable items: fire department mobile food unit inspections, cemetery babyland rate (Councilmember O’Neill suggested keeping at $300), Island Oasis daily fee increases (age 19-54 rising $1.50 vs. $0.50 for others), and new “penalty fees” for late invoice payments (Councilmember Housey opposed). Councilmember Stelk asked about electrical disconnect fees; staff explained on-hour vs. after-hour costs.
• Capital Project & Equipment Requests (Item 5d): Brown summarized departmental requests totaling $71M, including a $35K inspection car for building, a new ERP system consultant ($150K-$200K), fire ambulance carryover, and removal of the South Glocus Trail to Camp Augustine (pending land sale). Councilmember Sheard questioned a line item showing $1.5M for West Connector Trail; Brown clarified it was budget authority, not city cost.
• FTE Requests (Item 5e) and Budget Overview (Item 5b): Brown presented a detailed budget overview, projecting a $3.7M general fund gap, slowing sales tax (2% growth vs. 3% assumed), and rising personnel costs (80% of general fund). He recommended a one-year pause on all new FTEs and reclassifications (except those in enterprise funds). The mayor and several councilmembers (O’Neill, Sheard, Housey, Nickerson) agreed with the pause, citing the need for sustainability and avoiding layoffs like 2017. Councilmember Nickerson pressed for two exceptions: a library assistant reclassification ($6K) to support the bookmobile, and a police support services administrator reclassification (~$5K net cost in year one). Aaron (HR) provided a lengthy analysis on the reclassification, concluding a market-based salary is defensible. Fire Chief Corey asked for one firefighter EMT (originally three) to reduce overtime; debate ensued on funding via overhire vs. budgeted FTE. Councilmember Lanfear confirmed the Camp Augustine trail had been removed from the capital plan.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken; decisions will be made at the September 8 budget adoption meeting.
• Consensus emerged to pause virtually all general fund FTE hires for FY2027, as recommended by the mayor and city administrator, to allow time to study the structural gap and explore efficiencies.
• Two potential exceptions were discussed but not decided: (1) reclassification of a library assistant to support the bookmobile, and (2) reclassification of an office manager to a support services administrator in the police department. Both would have minimal net cost. Council will consider them further.
• Firefighter EMT request: Councilmember Nickerson suggested an overhire approach (no budgeted FTE) to keep pipeline full; Chief expressed preference for a budgeted FTE to reduce overtime. No resolution.
• Property tax growth capture: Brown recommended a 2.5% increase (estimated ~$325K in year one) to align with new construction growth. Council generally supportive but will wait for final valuation numbers from the county.
• Mini-golf fee structure: Council discussed whether to charge a separate fee; Brown noted it would be part of water park admission, with an off-season reduced rate. Council asked to review data after first year.
• Camp Augustine trail: Pat Brown confirmed it was removed from the budget; will be brought back after land sale is finalized.