Jasper approves first reading of 2026 budget ordinance

The Jasper City Council approved the first reading of a $26.6 million budget for 2026 during Wednesday’s meeting, marking a decrease in spending from the current year’s budget of $28.1 million.

The budget totals $26,570,911 in appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year. Council members unanimously passed the first reading 7-0, with a second reading scheduled for next month’s meeting.

Clerk-Treasurer Kirsten Knies explained that the deductions occurred in the city’s general fund and parks general fund, with the bulk of the reduction in the economic development income tax.

Despite the overall spending reduction, the budget includes a 3% raise for city employees, maintains current healthcare costs with no increases, and adds the day after Thanksgiving as a paid holiday for city workers.

“For for those listening at the moment, it’s actually spending less money,” said Councilman Chad Lueken. “I am personally thrilled to be offering a raise to the employees.”

The council also approved the first reading of Ordinance 2025-15, which sets the tax rate necessary to fund the 2026 budget. The total advertised tax rate for 2026 is 1.1934% per $100 of assessed value, an increase from last year’s advertised rate of 0.9987%. However, the advertised rate typically runs higher than the actual certified rate that property owners ultimately pay. For example, in 2025, while the advertised rate was 0.9987%, the actual certified rate was 0.8297%.

The growth quotient for property tax calculations was 4% this year; however, future calculations will utilize a new equation that has yet to be determined.

In other business, the council approved changes to the city’s code enforcement penalties. Ordinance 2025-16 raises fines for Class B violations from $25 to $100 and Class C violations from $100 to $150, while maintaining the current approach of working with property owners to achieve compliance before issuing penalties.

“Our goal is not to go out and find people. Our goal is to help people become compliant,” said City Attorney Renee Kabrick.

She explained that the majority of Class B violations involve nuisances such as tall grass and weed violations or the accumulation of trash on properties.

The enforcement process typically begins with a warning and a 10-day deadline for compliance. If property owners need additional time, city officials often work with them to extend deadlines. Only after multiple inspections and continued non-compliance are fines issued.

“We try very hard to work with the property owner and or the renter,” Kabrick explained. “We don’t want the street department to have to go, nor do we want the people to have to incur the cost of the street department mowing because, frankly, it’s not cheap.”

The council also approved an amendment to the River Centre Planned Unit Development District through Ordinance 2025-17. The amendment allows outdoor storage containers on city property adjacent to the River Center and clarifies language regarding temporary tent usage during events.

The shipping containers, which store outdoor maintenance equipment such as mowers and weed eaters, sit on city property included in the lease agreement between the city and River Centre. The containers cannot be moved to the River Center property due to access and grade limitations.

Councilwoman Nancy Eckerle expressed concerns about setting a precedent for allowing storage containers on city property; however, planning officials noted that this situation is unique due to the planned unit development designation and the existing lease agreement.

The ordinance supported by the Planning Commission was approved 6-1, with Eckerle casting the lone nay vote.

The council accepted several donations totaling $3,640, including $640 in restricted and unrestricted donations to the Parks Department and $3,000 from OFS to the Fire Department. Both the Parks Board and Board of Public Works approved the restrictions on their respective donations.

Josh Gunselman, Director of Community Development/Planning, briefed the council on the launch of a community survey for the comprehensive plan update, available in both English and Spanish. The survey, which runs until Oct. 31, seeks input from residents to help shape the city’s future vision and goals.

“The Comprehensive plan is a forward-looking planning effort. It’s intended to set a vision for Jasper and to establish goals, policies and action steps for the city’s future,” said Gunselman. “The planning process includes multiple phases, including the phase right now, which is gathering data on existing conditions, engaging with community to ultimately define a vision and goal and then drafting strategies and ultimately adopting an implementation plan of a new comprehensive plan.”

The survey is available on the city’s website at jasperindianna.gov and through the project website at tinyurl.com/jasper-comp. Officials hope to receive more than 1,000 responses. They are collaborating with local organizations, employers, and schools to reach diverse community members, including the Hispanic population, which represents nearly 11% of the city’s residents.

The council meeting concluded with recognition of new comfortable chairs donated by Kimball International for the council chambers, replacing seating that had been in use for many years.