The Geneva City Council held a special meeting Tuesday evening, effectively beginning the new budget process.
Transfer station ordinance gets approved
The council unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance to formally establish a city-operated transfer station. City Manager Amie Hendrix explained that the ordinance reflects the city’s agreement with the Town of Geneva and will support the operations of the Expanded Resource Recovery Park. The ordinance is set to take effect May 1.
Hendrix clarified that no permit would be required to drop off yard waste or leaves, though use of other features at the facility will require a $20 recycling permit.
Public hearing set for housing grant
Councilors approved a resolution to schedule a public hearing on May 7 for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Housing Rehabilitation Program. Hendrix noted the hearing is required for the city to remain eligible to apply for the upcoming round of funding, even though the current CDBG cycle is still underway.
Councilor John Brennan asked whether the hearing was necessary at this stage, and Hendrix confirmed that the step is procedural.
2026 budget process gets underway
City Manager Hendrix outlined a new structure for the development of the city’s 2026 budget. The process includes departmental presentations that provide overviews of current budgets, unmet needs for 2025, planned work for 2026, and five-year staffing and capital outlooks.
Initial budget indicators and metrics will be reviewed in May, with a special meeting planned to set budget priorities. The city manager’s proposed budget will be released September 9, with a public hearing scheduled for September 23. Department-specific work sessions will take place throughout October.
Department budget presentations begin
Six departments delivered initial budget presentations:
- City Manager’s Office: Hendrix identified priorities including city building assessments, downtown revitalization grant work, litigation planning, and community benchmarking.
- Clerk’s Office: City Clerk Nicole Tillotson discussed FOIL processing, council support, and records management. 2026 goals include software upgrades for records and agenda management, a potential charter review, and a grant-funded records inventory.
- Police Department: Chief Ronald Eveland emphasized staffing challenges and requested the reinstatement of two abolished positions. Other priorities include mental health response grant funding, a Citizens Police Academy, and equipment and vehicle replacements.
- Information Technology: Director Petr Premyslovsky outlined needs including cybersecurity upgrades, virtual server replacement, and possible staffing expansion. He also questioned the future viability of the city’s public Wi-Fi network due to outdated infrastructure.
- Human Resources: Director Jennifer Slywka described ongoing digitization, succession planning, and joint initiatives with the finance department. She supports over 125 full-time staff, as well as seasonal employees and retirees.
- Fire Department: Chief Del Parrotta requested funding for a replacement engine, bay door repairs at Station Two, and turnout gear. He also discussed longer-term goals including expanded technical rescue training and a potential regional fire training facility. Parrotta noted the department relies on a combination of full-time and volunteer firefighters and responded to council inquiries about the city’s agreements with volunteer companies.
The meeting adjourned following the final presentation. Additional departmental presentations are scheduled for the April 28 council meeting.ing.
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