On June 2, 2026 Finance Director Jared Kuhlmann briefed the Commission on the 2027 Proposed Budget, focusing on the General Fund and property tax impacts. Using a 3% valuation increase assumption and a flat mill levy, the General Fund as currently drafted would need to be reduced by $3,695,303 to balance, and staff have not yet asked departments to identify cuts. This substantial gap suggests upcoming decisions on revenue strategies, service prioritization, and potential efficiency or restructuring initiatives across departments (police, fire, parks, recreation, streets, zoo, admin). Financial, operational, and performance management consultants can offer scenario modeling, prioritization facilitation, and cost‑optimization reviews to help the City close the gap while maintaining key service levels ahead of the July–September budget adoption milestones.

The General Fund is projected to start 2027 with about $3.65M cash carryforward after current projec...