NOTN- The city is weighing two proposed bonds and finalizing a budget that city leaders say will draw down nearly all available savings as they prepare for a difficult fiscal year.

Christine Woll, chair of the finance committee, said that the assembly has discussed placing two questions on the October ballot: a just under $10 million bond to bolster water and wastewater infrastructure and about a  $16 million bond to fund roof and heating system repairs at several schools.

“We have, as a community, not been keeping up with with the long-term maintenance needs of our water and wastewater infrastructure, and so this would give that fund a bit of a boost so we can do some projects there, and ideally keep rates for utilities lower as a result.” Woll said, “Then the second bond we’re looking at would help make some needed repairs to some of our school infrastructure.”

The assembly has a short period of time to decide whether to present the measures to voters.

“We have about a month to finalize whether we’re going to put that on the ballot.” Woll said.

The final vote on the fiscal 2027 budget, which begins July 1, is scheduled for Monday night, which will also be the final opportunity for public testimony.

The draft budget already includes significant cuts and is expected to draw substantial community participation.

“The draft budget that we put together for this year does have some significant cuts, but it draws pretty much all of the money left in the city savings out to fund the next year.” Woll said, “So if things continue the way they are, we will be back here in about a year talking about even more cuts. Monday is a big milestone for getting this year’s budget done, but this conversation is going to have to continue if we want to balance the budget moving forward.”

The assembly’s decision will determine whether voters will be asked to fund the proposed bonds in October, and the outcome of Monday’s meeting will finalize next year’s fiscal path.