Budget for Website - Flipbook - Page 14
City Manager’s Budget Message
Change and stability are often seen as opposites, but in practice, they depend on one another.
Change is inevitable and brings new perspectives and opportunities, while stability provides the
structure and consistency needed to absorb that change without losing direction. Together, they
create a balanced approach—where progress is possible because it is grounded in a steady,
reliable foundation.
This commitment to stability has been evident in recent changes in elected leadership. The recent
election saw the addition of two new City Commissioners and then a new Mayor, followed by the
resignation of a Commissioner and the appointment of a successor, and it represents significant
transition. Even with a slow start due to the scheduling of the election certification, the City
Commission has remained cohesive and forward-focused. They were eager to get started and it
shows in their desire to connect with the community. By grounding decisions in shared priorities
and a common vision, the City Commission continues to move ahead with confidence, proving
that even in the face of change, stability is what keeps progress on track.
Even during times of change, stability remains the foundation of the City of Plymouth’s continued
success. Despite the loss of several key staff members including the City Manager, Finance
Director, multiple members of Municipal Services, multiple members of the Police Department,
and key staff from Economic/Community Development, the organization has stayed grounded in
a strong team-oriented approach that emphasizes shared knowledge, cross-training, and
leadership development at every level. This collective mindset ensures that transitions do not
disrupt progress, allowing staff to step confidently into new roles while maintaining the high
standard of service our community relies on. The strength of the staff is its ability to come together
regardless of department or job title and work together for the betterment of the community.
That stability is reinforced by the City’s succession plan and 5-Year Strategic Plan, which serve
as steady guides through periods of transition. By clearly outlining long-term goals and preparing
future leaders, these plans provide consistency in direction and decision-making. Even as
personnel changes occur, the City remains focused, aligned, and moving forward—
demonstrating that thoughtful planning creates a reliable path through uncertainty.
City staff and the City Commission met early in 2026 to discuss the one-year tasks which support
the key objectives of the four goal areas in the 5-Year Strategic Plan. The session was
collaborative and productive as each idea was discussed before either moving forward or falling
off the draft list. Once the draft was completed, staff took and combined like elements and
provided clarity in the language which was ultimately approved by the City Commission. At the
onset, the list looked daunting, but the City Commission and staff began their work and have
already completed a number of the one-year tasks. There are still many to complete and plenty
of year left, but the energy from the Commission and staff in getting started should be celebrated.
The following paragraphs highlight some of the challenges that we will need to discuss/address
as part of the ongoing finances of the city. Some are larger discussions which will extend well
beyond this budget year, but are topics that warranted discussion nonetheless as potential
solutions may impact this budget and will certainly impact future budgets.
City of Plymouth 2026/27 Budget
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