City Council Reviews Proposed 2026 Budget
The Park Rapids City Council held a work session Tuesday, Aug. 12 to review the proposed 2026 budget, which currently calls for roughly $5.08 million in spending.
Budget Overview and Revenue Estimates
City Administrator Angel Weasner told the council the finance committee has only completed work on the expenditure side so far and has not set a preliminary tax levy.
By Weasner’s figures, the 2025 general fund showed about $4.55 million in both revenues and expenses, while preliminary 2026 revenue estimates sit near $4.33 million. Expenditures, however, have climbed to roughly $5.08 million for the coming year.
Departmental Changes and Budget Adjustments
Several departments show notable changes driven largely by labor and contract costs. Under government buildings, the proposed budget increases by about $23,000 and includes up to $70,000 for contracted IT services. Weasner explained the city’s part‑time IT worker is retiring and cybersecurity requirements for the police department may require a contracted vendor until a permanent replacement is found.
The police budget is up by roughly $200,0...