ESCANABA – The Escanaba City Council will hold a public hearing tonight on the upcoming 2026-27 fiscal year budget.

This is the first of five public hearings scheduled on the budget. Residents are encouraged to attend and share their input.

Various departments briefed the council on budgetary opportunities and challenges for the upcoming fiscal year at a work session meeting on Jan. 6.

During the work session, City Manager James McNeil provided a general review of aspects within the city’s overall budget, including revenue sharing, tax revenues, inflation, street projects, the city manager vacancy and more. McNeil is set to leave his position as city manager in May.

Other department heads discussed the upcoming year’s operating budget and department updates, which included staffing challenges, library programs, public safety officer training and more.

In other business, the council will:

– discuss hiring and retaining the services of Berger & King of Escanaba for the Water Treatment Plant boiler replacement for a total of $136,700 including $4,000 in contingencies, as requested by Water Superintendent Jeff Lampi. According to the city’s agenda item request, these funds are available and budgeted in the current fiscal year.

– discuss awarding a contract to Giles Engineering Associates, Inc. (Giles) to perform a geotechnical evaluation for the Whitetail Solar Farm in the amount of $14,860. Electric Utility Director Gerald Pirkola requested approval. According to a proposal by Giles, the company will provide Geotechnical Engineering Services for the proposed solar array installations to be constructed at the parcel located west of N. 48 St and north of 19 Ave. N. in Escanaba.