The Finance Committee amended the city's 2026 borrowing request after department testimony about longstanding equipment needs and operational efficiency.

Public Works staff told the committee their priority list included a motor grader that was functionally overdue for replacement; Alder Johnson moved to amend the borrowing request to add a used motor grader at $370,000. The amendment passed on a voice vote.

Parks staff said the Wildlife Sanctuary operates with an aging transport van (2006 model) that is heavily rusted and presents an appearance and reliability concern when used at public events. The committee approved adding a cargo/animal-transport vehicle (≈$55,000) to the bond request.

Committee members debated funding choices — using fund balance or bonding for relatively small fleet items — and the staff pointed out the city's convention of placing most fleet and equipment in bond requests. There was discussion about bond-term structure and amortization; staff noted their financial adviser typically structures repayment schedules so equipment with short useful lives is paid down earlier in the amortization schedule.

Council members also moved to add a proposed streetscape for Adams and Washington Streets to the five-year CIP as a year-3 item. Staff provided an early cost estimate at roughly $2.3–$2.4 million and said the actual funding approach (TID, phased multi-year plan or shared funding) will be determined in subsequent planning discussions.

A separate proposal to add $15,000 of bonded money for additional shelter electronic locks was debated and then withdrawn; staff suggested operating funds or available ARPA interest could be more appropriate for that smaller expense.

All amendments described above were approved in committee and will be reflected in the borrowing request forwarded to full council. Staff emphasized that final funding sources, bond terms and project phasing will be resolved in future meetings and as part of the council-level adoption process.