BLAND — Bland aldermen approved the 2025–26 city budget Sept. 20 special meeting, which covers the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The new budget balances projected income and expenses at $1,173,450 for the city.

The budget outlines revenues across fines and fees, licenses, taxes, sales taxes, other income and utilities. Court fines are not projected this year, but inspections, late fees and rental agreements are expected to generate $3,644.26. Licenses, including ATV permits, building permits, dog and cat licenses and merchant licenses, account for another $1,340.00 in revenue.

Property taxes contribute $39,411.00 for real estate and $10,277.00 for personal property, while railroad tax adds $2,693.28, motor vehicle tax brings in $22,408.56, and franchise tax is listed at $5,795.73. Cigarette tax is budgeted at $145.80, and an additional $14,474.84 is included under “Taxes – Other.” In total, tax revenues are expected to reach $90,930.86 during the year.

Sales taxes remain an important revenue source for Bland. The city is projected to collect $15,871.14 from the half-cent park tax, $4,292.20 from the city’s street half-cent tax, $10,000.00 from the one percent street sales tax, and $21,076.06 from the law enforcement sales tax. City sales taxes add another $40,617.04, bringing total sales tax revenues to $91,856.44 for the city.

The largest portion of city revenues continues to come from utilities. Water user charges are projected at $273,754.69, while sewer charges are expected to bring in $146,200.00. Combined, water and sewer revenues equal $419,954.69 for the city.

Expenditures match revenues at $1,173,450.00, with funds distributed across several categories. General finance expenses total $1,251.40 and cover advertising, bank charges, bonding and related costs. Contract services, including legal, accounting, engineering, IT, and other technical support, are budgeted at $6,956.48 for the year.

Payroll and benefits across all departments total $222,617.93, while office operations such as computers, rent, copier expenses, postage, and supplies are projected at $18,575.00. Insurance costs, including liability, property and workers’ compensation coverage, add another $18,695.00 to the budget.

Supplies, which include general purchases and lagoon materials, are budgeted at $9,746.68 for the city. Repairs and maintenance for automobiles, equipment, infrastructure and roads account for $58,716.05 of the budget.

Utility costs come to $19,984.22 for electric, propane, trash service and internet total. Travel and education expenses, including conference attendance, mileage reimbursement and books or subscriptions, are listed at $2,253.44 for the city. Debt service and reserves, which include USDA bonds, capital improvement reserves and lease purchases, total $133,293.00 for the year.

The budget shows revenues and expenses in balance, with every department’s operations funded at levels consistent with projected income.