Residents will have an opportunity to weigh in Tuesday on Huntingdon’s proposed 2026 budget as the town council prepares for its final vote, as well as annual utility rate adjustments. Voting on the measures will take place after a public hearing.
Budget Details
The proposed budget calls for $5.99 million in general fund revenues and $6.79 million in expenditures, resulting in a projected shortfall of about $800,000.
The gap will be covered by the town’s reserve funds, which are expected to remain strong. Huntingdon began the current fiscal year with a $7.33 million fund balance and is projected to end the next with just over $6.5 million.
The police department is budgeted at $1.83 million, while fire protection is set to receive $1.36 million, up significantly from last year. More than $1 million is allocated for street operations and another $208,800 is designated for grant-funded capital projects.
The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center is budgeted for $709,000 in revenues and expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year.
The majority of that funding, $338,000, is expected to come from ticket sales and facility rentals. Additional support will come from sponsorships, grants, tuition from arts education programs, and a $99,000 transfer from other town funds.
The Dixie’s budget was a topic for discussion during the first reading of the budget, with Council member Chad Barnhart casting the only ‘nay’ vote.
Barhnart mentioned that he wanted more clarity on the potential agreement with the Friends of the Dixie organization, that will potentially shift monetary control of the Dixie away from the Town of Huntingdon over to the nonprofit Friends organization.
Huntingdon Mayor Chad Edwards explained that while talks are still ongoing, nothing is set in stone, and until then, the Town of Huntingdon will act on its obligations to The Dixie.
Water/Sewer Increase
Also up for final approval is Ordinance No. 640 and 641.
Ordinance 640, if passed, would raise both water and sewer rates by 3% starting in July.
This is part of the town’s annual cost of living adjustment.
Monthly base rates for residential customers inside city limits would increase to $15.66 for water and $15.65 for sewer.
Usage charges would rise to $4.73 and $7.42 per 1,000 gallons, respectively. Customers outside town limits would pay higher rates.
The ordinance includes a provision for automatic annual rate adjustments tied to inflation, unless specifically rejected by the council.
Ordinance No. 641, would change how the town bills outside sewer customers who are not on the municipal water system.
Those customers would be charged based on an assumed monthly usage of 6,000 gallons, regardless of actual consumption. Currently, those customers are charged based on a 5,000 gallon consumption.
The council meeting begins at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, at Huntingdon City Hall.
