The City Council of the City of Schulenburg met in a Budget Workshop on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers located at 607 Upton Avenue, Schulenburg, Texas. The elected officials present included Mayor, Connie Koopmann, Alderwoman, Kathy Kleiber, Aldermen, Greg Thomas, Frank Wick III, and Roger Moellenberndt. City staff present included City Administrator, Tami Walker, Finance Director, Kenny Schramek, and City Secretary, Mason Florus.
Ms. Walker had several handouts with budget break downs and estimated tax rates (as of today the CAD did not have tax rates available).
At 5:02, Alderman Mican arrived at Council Chambers and took his seat at the dais.
Council and staff went through all General Fund Departments.
Major topics discussed in Government Body included a new website that will keep the City compliant with the new ADA legislation that will take affect in 2027. Several Council members also expressed interest in attending the TML Conference this year. Staff will increase the training line item accordingly.
Ms. Walker announced that all salaries are built in with a 4% COLA. Health insurance was built in with a 9% increase. BCBSTX came back with 9.82% increase so staff will have to make minor changes. TMRS will slightly decrease this coming year.
Major topics discussed in Office and Management included holding off on donations until the fate of City Hall is decided. Staff also announced that the City has been trying to upgrade to Incode 10. That is the reason for the $30,000 line item.
PD and Fire were not discussed. Their respected Chiefs will be in attendance at the August 4th budget workshop.
Under Sports Complex, Alderman Mican asked if the City could get more bids on mowers other than Exmark.
Under Wolters Park, Council was reminded that in this year’s budget, there is a $100,000 budgeted to remodel the Rodeo Arnena. There was a general consensus from Council to provide the $100,000 for FYE 26, and FYE 27, budget $50,000 and let the Festival Association come up with the remaining funds.
Under Library, Council suggested that the Library should look into leasing a new printer instead of purchasing one for $12,000.
Under Civic Center, there was a general consensus to put the cameras on hold. Staff budgeted $50,000 but will get more info.
Major topics discussed under street was the engineering for Herder rehab from 90 to the railroad tracks. Council also suggested to look at other brands and or leasing a loader. Staff budgeted $283,000 for a new Caterpillar front end loader.