The council approved the City Manager’s budget-cut package, including eliminating 43 positions (15 filled), by a 6–1 vote.
Approved the reduction in force and the City Manager’s recommendations on services and revenue. Moved by Gatto, seconded by Voss. Nays: Westergaard. Passed 6–1; voting no: Linda Westergaard.
What this means (Budget): The city’s spending plan for a fiscal year, which runs July 1 to June 30 in Iowa.
How each member voted
| Official | Seat | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Connie Boesen | Mayor | Yes |
| Carl Voss | At-large | Yes |
| Mike Simonson | At-large | Yes |
| Rob X. Barron | Ward 1 | Yes |
| Linda Westergaard | Ward 2 | No |
| Josh Mandelbaum | Ward 3 | Yes |
| Joe Gatto | Ward 4 | Yes |
More from the record
The City Manager wrote that state law changes, mainly a property tax growth cap, leave an estimated $12 million budget gap for FY2028 and another $5 million for FY2029. His first package, presented Aug 26, 2026, cuts $5,490,000 in spending and includes revenue changes. It eliminates 43 positions: 28 vacant and 15 filled. The filled positions are in the City Manager’s Office (1), Neighborhood Services (2), Parks and Recreation (3 park and cemetery workers), Community Impact and Relations (3, including the director and a human rights specialist), Development Services (2 inspectors) and IT (4). Affected employees were offered separation packages; layoffs would take effect no later than November 2026. Council packet, item 57 (saved copy)
The alternative
No other options were presented in the record. Details of the revenue recommendations: Not in the record.
Jobs and services
- Who
- 15 City employees and residents who use the affected services
- How
- 43 positions eliminated, including 3 park and cemetery workers, 2 inspectors and human rights staff
- When
- Layoffs no later than November 2026
- Source
- Council packet, item 57 (saved copy)
Money
- Who
- City General Fund
- How
- $5,490,000 in spending cuts toward a $12 million FY2028 gap
- When
- FY2028 budget process
- Source
- Council packet, item 57 (saved copy)
Source Agenda for the whole meeting, item 57 (saved copy) · Full minutes for the whole Sep 14, 2026 meeting, p. 11 (roll call 26-1080) (saved copy) · Resolution and Council Communication, packet pages 634–637 (saved copy)