The Madill City Council approved the city’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget during its June meeting, following a public hearing on the proposed spending plan. The budget includes a 3% cost-of-living increase for city employees, funding for infrastructure improvements and several planned equipment purchases.
During the budget presentation, city officials reported that sales tax revenue came in slightly lower than expected during the current fiscal year. As a result, revenue projections for the coming year were kept conservative. The budget also includes adjustments to utility revenues, employee benefits and transfers between city funds.
Amongthelargerexpenditures proposed for the coming yearareimprovementsatthe city's water treatment plant, the purchase of a one-ton pickup for water and wastewater operations, a new police Tahoe and a remotecontrolled mower designed to safely maintain steep dam embankments. City officials said the mower would reduce the need for costly equipment rentals and improve safety for employees working in difficult terrain.
Council members also discussed ongoing improvements to the city's water and wastewater systems. Officials reported that approximately $600,000 has already been invested in repairs and upgrades at the existing wastewater treatment plant while plans continue for a new facility. Council members expressed concerns about managing future growth until the new plant is completed.
The discussion took place as the council considered approval of a final plan for a proposed housing addition near Seventh and Burks streets and Seventh and Wolf streets. While the plant was ultimately approved, council members discussed whether future development should be slowed until additional wastewatercapacitybecomes available. Officials noted that housing growth continues throughout the city and that protecting sewer capacity will remain an important issue in the coming years.
The council also approved property, liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverage for the upcoming fiscal year. While property and liability insurance costs increased slightly, workers’ compensation insurance premiums decreased from the previous year.
In other business, the council approved appointments totheMedialPlanning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Adjustments. Appointments included M.B. Watts, Carolyn Fajardo and Chris Hoffman to the Planning and Zoning Commission, and Lee Gamble and Charlotte Chaffin to the Board of Adjustments.
DuringtheCitymanager’s report, officials announced that a pre-bid meeting had been scheduled for an upcoming CommunityDevelopment BlockGrantwatertreatment project. The city also reported that the swimming pool is open for the season and that officials are exploring funding opportunities for future pool improvements. In addition, the city is seeking grant funding to help connect the Walmart water tower to the city's broader water distribution system in an effort to improve water pressure in one of the city's fastest growing areas.
Several residents addressed the council during the public comment portion of the meeting. Topics included appointments to the city boards and commissions, neighborhooddrainage concerns, residential parking issues and stormwater runoff. Residents encouraged city leaders to continue addressing growth-related infrastructure challenges while preserving neighborhood appearance and property values.