May 2026: Council Passes First Reading of a $10 Million Budget, Up About 43%, With No Tax Increase
Woodruff's proposed FY2026-27 budget is about $10 million, roughly $3 million more than this year, funding five new city jobs and new equipment out of growth. Council also rezoned land on Cross Anchor Rd and approved a police drone policy.
The Woodruff Times reported on May 29, 2026 that Woodruff City Council passed the first reading of the city's fiscal year 2026-27 budget.
The budget: City Manager Lee Bailey presented a budget of about $10 million, an increase of nearly 43 percent (about $3 million) over the current year. He said the increase comes from revenue tied to the city's recent growth. The plan adds five new employees across several departments and buys capital equipment such as tractors and other vehicles. No tax increase is included. If council passes the second reading in June, the budget takes effect July 1.
Rezoning: Council approved rezoning a 2.46-acre parcel at 1035 Cross Anchor Road from single-family residential to limited commercial for a proposed medical use.
Police drones: Council approved a Woodruff Police Department policy for operating drones. Police Chief Greg Ryan said drones would help with search and rescue and with photographing and modeling accident and crime scenes. Two department members have completed certification training, and only certified staff may fly. The department had not yet bought a drone.
Council meets the last Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, and meetings are open to the public. Read the full story at The Woodruff Times (link below).