Richmond adopted its fiscal year 2026 operating budget, a document officials described as balanced, sustainable and reflective of the city’s priorities for the year ahead. The budget sets spending and revenue for the period beginning Oct. 1, 2025, and ending Sept. 30, 2026. Council members approved the ordinance after months of work by staff, committees and the council. “We have met as a finance committee and also with the complete council to go over the budget and it meets all the qualifications, reserves and these balances,” said Councilmember Deanna Guy. “I think it’ll be an asset to our community, as well as an increase for our staff. It’s a good budget.” Mayor Mike Wright emphasized the scope of the process and praised those involved. “I would like to thank everybody for the work they put in on this,” stated Wright. “It was about a six-month process or longer. There’s so much that goes into this and we’re finishing up this current year’s budget, which is fantastic.” Staff…