The proposed $2.5 billion budget for 2026-27 was presented to a public meeting at Ruskin High School in south Kansas City on Feb. 23, matching last year's record-breaking figure. New Deputy Director of Finance Brenton Siverly outlined the spending breakdown, which included safety and transportation items such as $250,000 for “free trees” and $5 million for capital improvements at the T-Mobile Center. The largest expenditure is personnel costs, with public safety being the most-funded goal area. The proposed budget also includes $11.1 million for increased compensation for extra pay period (and higher health insurance costs). $4.2 million will be used towards the hiring of 50 new police officers, 10 dispatchers, and 10 call takers. The city's proposed budget is carrying an operating deficit of $54.9 million for Fiscal Year 2020-2027, with the general fund accounting for 44% of those working tax earnings.