City discusses budget, possible tax changes for 2027
With the City of Butler’s budget due before the end of the year, city officials held a special meeting dedicated to discussing the projects and changes they want to make for 2027.
Butler City Council held a budget workshop discussion at a special meeting Thursday evening.
Discussion during the meeting primarily focused on capital expenditures, as well as potential changes to the city’s tax rolls.
Mayor Bob Dandoy prefaced discussion by giving council an update on the proceeds of the Butler Area Sewer Authority sale, stating a number of factors, including successful investments by the fund’s managers, have left the city with a total of about $108 million.
“What we have to remember is the resources are there and we will be able to move forward carefully, if not comfortably,” he said.
Councilman Bill Painter kicked off discussion by bringing up the possibility of eliminating the city’s per capita tax and raising exemptions for the city’s business privilege and mercantile taxes. Painter previously discussed these concepts at an October meeting.
City treasurer Linda Graham-Greek said she believes the city only made about $46,000 from the per capita tax once the costs of collection were paid off.
“We’re getting rid of something that’s a nuisance to the people. That’s an inefficient tax. Then hopefully, there’s growth in the community and other taxes increase,” Painter said.
In terms of exemptions for business privilege and mercantile taxes, other officials raised questions as to how much those changes would ultimately cost the city. Painter said he plans to bring a sheet that will detail a few options to a future meeting.
Each councilperson also detailed their requests for their specific departments.
These included equipment like a new mower, trailer and skid loader for the city’s parks department, as well as a lease on a street sweeper and purchase of a compact excavator for the streets department.
Other work included ongoing stormwater projects, repairs to the parking garages, improvements to the city’s streetscape and parks. Some of these projects, such as the Main Street sidewalk project and upgrades for Memorial Park, are covered by grants.
Councilwoman Lisa Quebedeaux presented an $84,000 upgrade to the Butler Bureau of Fire’s bullpen, locker rooms and bathrooms. While work in the bullpen would be more cosmetic — focusing on paint, flooring and a new awning — the work in the bathrooms and locker rooms is more functional.
“The piping and everything for the toilets and sinks, the pictures show corrosion all over the place. The ceiling grid for the ceiling tiles are corroded. I don’t think there’s any working ventilation fan in those locker rooms, so that’s all corroded,” Chief Chris Switala explained.
However, any proposals have yet to be finalized.
City council set the vote to advertise the preliminary budget for its next meeting Monday. It will be up for final approval at a December meeting.
