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Celina City Council reviews budget progress, capital projects, and prepares for year-end work

The Celina City Council moved through a full agenda Monday night as members advanced multiple budget-related ordinances, heard updates on city projects, and prepared for end-of-year planning ahead of the 2026 budget.

Council began by approving the evening’s agenda, which included adding an executive session for the purpose of discussing real estate matters. Minutes from the November 10 meeting were accepted, followed by reports from two recent Personnel and Finance Committee sessions.

Committee Chair Eric Clausen delivered extensive summaries from the November 10 and November 17 budget meetings. Departments including tax administration, fire, police, public works, parks, and recreation presented their 2026 needs. Among the largest items were a proposed $1.5 to $1.6 million plan for fire station engineering, a new salt storage facility, major sidewalk replacement costs, Westview Park upgrades, new playground and shelter projects funded through the Bryson Trust, and continued debt reduction that has brought the city’s long-term obligations down from $23 million in 2012 to under $3 million today.

Recreation staffing needs, rising referee costs, capital needs in public works, and cyber-security expenses for every department were also highlighted. The total proposed 2026 budget is just over $59.6 million, with the city’s general fund balanced at $10.3 million.

Council then advanced several ordinances to third reading, including the 2026 appropriations budget, authorization for the safety service director to seek bids for next year’s projects, and annual contracts for materials and equipment. One ordinance was amended to broaden language regarding brick repair and tuck-pointing at the administration building.

Mayor Jeff Hazel reported that Mill Street paving was completed after asphalt plants briefly reopened, and final seeding will occur in spring. Construction on new Westview restrooms remains on schedule, and the Public Works building is expected to be finished by year’s end. Hazel also promoted the upcoming Midnight Gladness downtown shopping event and wished residents a safe Thanksgiving.

With no public comments and no further council remarks, the meeting concluded with members voting to enter executive session to discuss the purchase or sale of property for public purposes.