MUSCATINE, Iowa — Every January, the City Administrator presents a balanced budget to the Muscatine City Council. Getting to that point takes months of preparation. Beginning in October, each city department meets with the City Administrator and Finance Director to review what they need to continue providing the services residents rely on. Together, they determine which projects must move forward now, which can wait, and what could be reduced if revenues fall short.
This year, that process is more challenging than usual. Even if the property tax rate remains unchanged, property tax rollbacks will impact General Fund increase. the City anticipates receiving less property tax revenue. City leaders continue to navigate the process to prepare a leaner budget while keeping it balanced.
“Creating a balanced budget is one of our most important responsibilities, and this year it requires especially tough choices,” City Administrator Matt Mardesen said. “Our goal is to protect essential services while being honest about the financial realities we face. We’re committed to working with the Council and the community to make thoughtful, responsible decisions that keep Muscatine moving forward.”
A General Fund Overview will be presented to the Muscatine City Council at a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday (Jan. 29). The presentation by City Administrator Matt Mardesen and Interim Finance Director LeAnna McCullough will outline the work that has been happening behind the scenes and preview the decisions ahead for the Council.
In addition to the overview, the Council will review the proposed budgets from City Administration, the Police Department, Finance, and the Musser Library.
February will bring a full schedule of budget discussions. GMCCI, Senior Resources, and MCSA will present on Tuesday, Feb. 3, following the Council’s regular meeting. Public Works, Human Resources, the Art Center, Fire Department, Community Development, Water Pollution Control Plant, and Parks and Recreation will be discussed at a special meeting on Saturday, Feb. 7.
The final round of discussions will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 10, covering Capital Expenditures, Debt, Road Use Tax, TIF, and Local Option Sales Tax. The completed budget will be presented to the Council for final review at a special meeting on Thursday, Feb. 26.