City approves FY26 budget

Carbondale leaders approved a city budget for the coming fiscal year during this week's city council meeting.

City council members on Tuesday approved $80,106,999 to fund the city's budget and the Carbondale Public Library's annual operating budget for fiscal year 2026.

According to city documents, the general fund budget comes with expenditures $280,494 in excess of revenues. The shortfall will be taken from restricted fund balances.

The budget and an accompanying resolution approving a five-year community investment program passed the council with little discussion, save for funding to three community organizations considered separately after council member Adam Loos forced a "friendly amendment." Loos' action followed contention at past council meetings regarding providing funding to organizations with which council members might have conflicts of interest.

The first pulled item considered funding to The Little Resource Center.

"This organization is run in part by my wife," Loos said. "I will not be voting or part of any discussion on this item."

The measure subsequently passed with unanimous support from other council members.

Next, the council considered funds for Women for Change, whose director is council member Ginger Rye-Sanders. The council approved the funding, with Loos voting against it. Rye-Sanders wasn't present at the meeting.

Finally, the council considered funds for Carbondale United, whose director is council member Nancy Maxwell. Loos again provided the lone "no" vote. Maxwell abstained when her vote was called.

"I cannot vote because I work for Carbondale United," Maxwell said.