This 26/27 FY Public Budget Workshop hosted by the Bailey Town Board of Commissioners was held at Bailey Town Hall on May 4, 2026 at 6:30 PM.

The following Board members were present: Mayor Owen H. Strickland II, Mayor Pro Tempore/Commissioner Walter Wells, and Commissioners Richard Wilson and David Evans.

Also present: Town Administrator/Town Clerk/CFO Joel Killion, Police Chief Adam Gelo, and Town Attorney Nick Berry.

The following Board member were absent: Dillon Bissette and Ervin Powell.

Mayor Strickland called the meeting to order.

Adoption of Agenda:
Commissioner Evans made a motion to approve the Agenda as presented, seconded by Commissioner Wells. The motion carried.

Vote: Mayor Strickland: N/A, Commissioner Evans: Aye, Wells: Aye, Wilson: Aye.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes:
Commissioner Evans made a motion to approve the regular public meeting minutes from March 23, 2026, and Commissioner Wells seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Vote: Mayor Strickland: N/A, Commissioner Evans: Aye, Wells: Aye, Wilson: Aye.

Mayor Strickland opened the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Budget Workshop and asked the Board for its preference regarding facilitation of the workshop. Commissioner Evans made a motion to designate Administrator Killion to facilitate the workshop, seconded by Commissioner Wells. The motion carried.

Vote: Mayor Strickland: N/A, Commissioner Evans: Aye, Wells: Aye, Wilson: Aye.

Administrator Killion opened the Budget Workshop discussion by reviewing the Budget Calendar, the various revenue streams and options for the Town, and the Rate Study completed by the Rural Water Association.

Commissioner Wells talked with the Board and Administrator about the Water & Sewer Department's revenue and expenses.

Administrator Killion said that the Cemetery Department is facing higher expenses.

Administrator Killion went over the Police Department's budget requests from Chief Gelo with the Board.

Administrator Killion shared an email from Zoning Administrator and Code Enforcer Shawn Lucas about requests from the Regulatory Department.

Commissioner Evans told the Board he plans to request $30,000 for Economic Development & Long-Range Planning.

Administrator Killion recommended a 3% Cost Of Living Adjustment for town staff, based on a report about expected COLA and merit increases for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

Administrator Killion discussed repair and maintenance costs for town buildings with the Board and noted these costs will be updated in the budget.

Mayor Strickland presented his budget request to the Board.

Commissioner Evans talked about industry-wide cost changes that will affect Bailey, beyond what has already taken place since the pandemic.

Commissioner’s Remarks:
Dillon Bissette – Absent

David Evans – No remarks.

Ervin Powell – Absent

Richard Wilson – No remarks.

Commissioner Wells made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Commissioner Evans seconded. Motion carried.

Vote: Mayor Strickland: N/A, Commissioner Wells: Aye, Evans: Aye, Wilson: Aye.

Meeting adjourned.