The Fort Dodge City Council will continue its work on the 2026-2027 budget and consider a contract for the construction of a large pavilion on the riverfront when it meets tonight.

It will be the last scheduled council meeting for Mayor Matt Bemrich and councilmembers Quennel McCaleb and Lydia Schuur, all of whom decided not to seek reelection this year.

The council’s work will begin at 5 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 819 First Ave. S., with a budget workshop.

The proposed spending plans for the storm water utility, sanitation, inspections, development services and tax increment financing will be reviewed.

The council’s regular business meeting will start at 6 p.m.

During that session, the council will consider awarding a contract for the construction of a large picnic-style shelter along First Street just south of the Matt Cosgrove River’s Edge Discovery Center. Its creation is part of the riverfront plan being implemented by the city and Webster County.

Jensen Builders Ltd., of Fort Dodge, has submitted the apparent low bid of about $1.6 million.

The council will also consider establishing a sign-on incentive program for new police officers as an incentive to recruit more people. The incentive will range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the certifications of the new officers. It costs about $10,000 to send a new officer through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, so only people who have already graduated from the academy would be likely to get a $10,000 sign-on bonus.