Charles City FY26 Budgeting Process Involves New Players, Tough Decisions

Establishing the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget for the City of Charles City will mean some challenges both internally and externally.

Mayor Dean Andrews notes the City has several new players involved in the process compared to a year ago at this time.

New City Administrator Tyler Trout, who replaced Steve Diers, has only been on-board since December 1st, but previously served as city administrator in Avoca. City Clerk Brittney Lentz, hired after Trudy O’Donnell retired in April, held the same position with the City of Plainfield. New to the game are City Council members Krista Noah and Jeff Otto.

Andrews says some factors are beyond the City’s control as to how much money they’ll have to work with for the new fiscal year starting July 1st.

Among services with costs are expected to continue rising is the subsidy the City and Floyd County pay to AMR Ambulance, which is already at about $450,00 for the current fiscal year.

As of Monday (01.05), Andrews said the City had not received a proposal from AMR on a new contract to start July 1st nor do they know if Floyd County Medical Center will continue their contribution.

In the meantime, Andrews says the possibility of the City and/or County developing its own public ambulance service remains open to discussion.