Watertown City Council to Review 2026 Budget Ordinance With $781K in Capital Improvements
- Steve Jurrens
- Jul 18
- 1 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD – The Watertown City Council will take up Ordinance No. 26‑23 on Monday night, a measure that updates the city’s 2026 budget to address departmental needs and authorize several line‑item transfers across the General Fund, Capital Improvement Fund, and Solid Waste Fund.
The ordinance, brought forward by Chief Financial Officer Kristen Bobzien, supplements the city’s original 2026 budget adopted last November. According to the agenda item, the adjustments are necessary to fund “indispensable functions of government” that require expenditures not fully anticipated in the initial budget.
Supplemental Appropriations
The ordinance proposes $14,500 in additional General Fund spending for consultant fees in the City Attorney’s office.
In the Capital Improvement Fund, the ordinance adds $781,210 in supplemental appropriations, including:
· $270,000 for Public Works machinery and equipment
· $19,300 for land acquisition under Street System Improvements
· $21,360 for tennis and pickleball court improvements
· $55,000 for Industrial Park building improvements
· $415,550 transferred to the Airport for equipment relocation
Budget Line‑Item Transfers
The ordinance also includes several internal transfers to support ongoing projects:
General Fund
· Moves $8,644 from Codington County Search & Rescue to Safety Supplies for dive rescue equipment.
Capital Improvement Fund
· Transfers $355,000 from park improvements, fire training center, and drainage improvements to support the Airport Equipment Relocation Project.
Solid Waste Fund
· Redirects $165,000 from refuse truck funding to cover the Solid Waste Hoop Barn project.
What Happens Next
Monday’s meeting will serve as the first reading, meaning no council action will be taken. The second reading — and potential adoption — is scheduled for August 3, 2026.
