The City of Rock Port is preparing a roughly $4 million budget for the 2026 fiscal year, a notable increase from recent years that city officials attribute to growing tax revenue from local commerce and a new marijuana dispensary within city limits.
Councilmembers are currently in the process of drafting the budget, with an eye toward long-term planning, Mayor Richard Chaney said.
“The sewer system is one of the things we’ve budgeted for,” Chaney said. “Equipment to maintain the roads we’ve been getting done. There’s some beautification in there.”
The proposed budget also includes funding for tree trimming and efforts to kickstart new economic development projects. Late last month, Chaney and other city leaders met with department heads to review their upcoming needs.
“I don’t know if anyone has ever sat down and gone through every line item in the budget before,” Chaney said. “So it gave my fellow councilmember and I a good understanding of the budget and what’s in it.”
Chaney noted that a utility rate increase will likely be necessary in the future, with a public hearing planned to discuss the issue.
As part of an effort to increase transparency and public engagement, Chaney said the completed budget will be displayed at City Hall on a wall dedicated to public information once ongoing renovations are finished.
He added that civic involvement and local pride are growing alongside the city’s financial health.
“We’re seeing murals go up now. We’re seeing volunteers come out for things,” Chaney said. “We went from a town where it was almost impossible to get volunteers to now people are texting me. We’re bringing back the pride of Rock Port, is one way to put it.”
The budget will come up for possible approval at the City Council meeting on Nov. 19. The meeting is open to the public and will be streamed live on the city’s Facebook page.