Council members outlined their budget priorities at a brief work session Friday. Photo: Derek Lacey/Axios
Budget season is underway in Huntsville.
Why it matters: In a quick work session Friday morning, council members went down the line on what's top-of-mind as city staff begins putting pen to paper on the Fiscal Year 27 budget.
That input will help move the needle on projects across the city.
Driving the news: In general, council members were focused on upkeep at parks, staying on top of paving and other roads projects, and supporting libraries and public safety initiatives.
District 1: Michelle Watkins highlighted parks like Calvary Hill Community Center and Stoner Park, saying they need work on athletic fields and field houses.
District 2: David Little checked on planned upgrades at California Street Park and stressed the need for paving the walking path around the pond at Jones Farm Park.
District 3: Jennie Robinson noted the need to catch up on paving projects, which she said have doubled in the last decade, and noted funds for a new fire truck at Green Mountain approved last week.
District 4: Bill Kling threw his support behind the Northern Bypass, Eastern Bypass, East Arsenal Connector and other projects to establish a "ring road" around the city which he said he'd "like to see accelerated," as well as work to rebuild the Interstate 565-Memorial Parkway.
District 5: John Meredith advocated for sidewalks on several roads, including Zierdt and Martin Roads to service the new West Huntsville Recreation Center, as well as new parks in the western part of the city.
What we're watching: The budget will be presented at the council's Sept. 10 meeting. Another work session is set for Sept. 18 and the final vote comes Sept. 24.
