By GAGE WILSON
Glasgow News 1
The Glasgow Finance Committee’s Thursday meeting was largely routine, with members receiving updates on ongoing construction projects along W. Main Street and the city’s upcoming 2026-27 budget, which is expected to be presented to the council next month.
Treasurer Victoria Simmons announced that the new aquatic addition at American Legion Park will officially open Saturday, May 23, bringing the years-long project to fruition.
Part of the project was financed through a bond totaling roughly $5.4 million. According to chairman Terry Bunnell, the debt will be repaid over a 20-year period at an interest rate of approximately 4 percent.
Committee members also discussed the new Farmers Market building as construction crews continue working through final details.
“They’re just working on small things,” said Mayor Henry Royse. “Like putting the right covers on lights.”
No official ribbon-cutting date has been announced for the facility.
The market is already experiencing what was described as a “good problem,” with attendees struggling to find parking during events. Royse said the issue should improve once construction on the new justice center is completed, allowing visitors to use its parking lot.
The pedestrian bridge project between the county clerk’s office and Subway generated the most discussion Thursday, as a necessary easement agreement remains unsigned.
The easement would allow the city to place heavy construction equipment – specifically a crane – on privately owned property during the bridge reconstruction process. It was previously believed the agreement would be finalized during this month’s Glasgow Infrastructure Committee meeting, pending only the business owner’s signature.
According to Royse, the city’s most recent communication with the owner’s attorney appeared positive, though no signed agreement has materialized. Until the easement is secured, demolition work and ground studies related to the bridge project remain stalled.
As discussion shifted to the city budget process, Bunnell said preparations were nearing completion, a point echoed by Simmons, who said she is waiting to meet with only two remaining departments.
This marks Simmons’ first budget cycle as treasurer, and she said the process has been more involved than many might expect.
“I’ve really tried to hear each department, and I stressed to them that they know their department better than we do,” she said. “Big picture, we’ve talked about the big two [construction] projects, as of right now those are our only two big projects that the city is going to take on next year.”
The committee agreed to hold a special -alled meeting Thursday, June 4, to review the proposed budget ahead of its first reading before the Glasgow City Council the following Monday.
Key facts:
– City showing about a $4 million revenue surplus as of April 30, expected to fall to around $1 million
– New aquatic addition at American Legion Park to open Saturday, May 23
– Aquatic project partly funded through a $5.4 million bond over 20 years at about 4% interest
– Construction continues at new farmers market building, with parking already tight during events
– Pedestrian bridge project delayed until easement agreement is signed for heavy equipment access
– Treasurer Victoria Simmons nearing completion of her first city budget cycle
– Special finance meeting set for Thursday, June 4, to review proposed 2026-27 budget before council’s first reading
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