With $2.7 million library grant, Russellville City Council approves largest budget in city history at $17.09 million

At its September 21st meeting, the Russellville City Council approved a general fund budget of $17,096.12, the largest-ever in city history.

The budget includes grant revenue of $2,711,021, earmarked for construction of the new Russellville Public Library, and this additional revenue was a primary reason for thebudget increase.

Additionally, the council approved a 3.14% raise, across the board, for all full-time city employees and tied it to the current pay scale.

Total expenses in the FY2026-27 budget are $17,216,168, leaving an unappropriated balance of $43.

The largest revenue source comes from local taxes and fees, with a total of $13,102,151.

Grant revenue in the coming year will be $2,788,821, most of that coming in the HUD grant for the library.

Sales tax revenue is expected to bring in $6,870,500, by far the largest revenue line item.

Expenses come primarily from the various city departments. The Street Department budget includes an estimated $3,676,415 in expenses, the largest department budget.

Including the construction of the new library, the budget calls for $2,942,093 in library expenses. The Russellville Police Department expenses are $2,889,344 and $2,674,197 for the Russellville Fire Department.

$947,912 is budgeted for Administrative expenses, $1,274,012 for Appropriations and $460,136 for Bond/Warrant debt service.

Other agenda items approved by the council at its September 21st meeting include:

—a resolution to declare a 6x12 single axle enclosed trailer as surplus property and to authorize sale on govdeals.com.

—accepting the single audit portion of the city’s financial statement required for all entities receiving more than $1 million in federal funding. The report was clear across the board and the city is qualified as a ‘low-risk’ auditee.

—approved a contract for services with the Franklin County Chamber of commerce for $14,520 for the coming year.

—approved a revised job description for the Foreman/Driver/Operator position in the Solid Waste Department and declared a vacancy for the position to be filled from promotion within the classified service.

—appointed Patricia Cox to one of the three advisory seats on the Russellville Library Board.

—reappointed Radford Hester to the Russellville City Schools Board of Education by a 4-1 vote, with councilman Darren Woodruff voting against the measure.

The next regular meeting of the Russellville City Council will be October 5, 2026, with work session at 6 p.m., and meeting to follow.