The Village of South Russell moved forward on its 2026 spending plan during the Nov. 24 council meeting, with the fiscal officer outlining several interim adjustments.

Fiscal officer said the draft budget reductions include $50,000 from street maintenance and $40,000 from the permissive tax fund pending county permissive‑tax certification; the Hazelwood project was estimated at $135,000 for budgeting purposes and will require a January amendment after the county certifies year‑end cash balances. Councilors discussed waiving readings and the option to adopt the budget after three readings.

Later in the meeting the council reviewed a modified appropriations ordinance that listed line items and amounts for multiple funds (general fund salaries and benefits, street maintenance, income tax fund, Bell Road East, large equipment and more). The council declared an emergency, waived further readings for the modified appropriations ordinance, and approved it by roll call.

The fiscal officer also presented the payment list of $415,731.41, which council approved.

Next steps: fiscal officer to amend the budget in January once county year‑end balances are certified and to implement the adopted appropriations.