Shenandoah City Council members detailed requests they would like to see in the budget this year during a June 26 meeting.

The requests were held prior to a budget workshop that is scheduled for August and noted to be preliminary. The workshop will determine which projects and requests make it through.

Council Member Ted Fletcher put in a request for a “Shenandoah fun card,” which he said will be used to improve the quality of life in Shenandoah. The card would be used in a way to expand on the idea established with free trash services to city residents.

“The premise behind this was to create something where we can include all Shenandoah citizens in the process of giving back from the city to the residents,” Fletcher said. “The premise is it would give everybody the ability to choose where to use those funds, whether that was for free trash service, adding recycling to that or if they want to support our local businesses.”

The price threshold for Fletcher’s proposal is $496,000, which includes what the city is already spending for trash services and does not add to the cost. Fletcher said the card would be for around $350 per household and would be a capital purchase.

Council Member Ron Raymaker requested a recycling program for the city be added as a recurring operation budget item. Raymaker said he would like to see it become a free program to the residents but understands commodity prices are not what they were and may be unfavorable at present.

Instead, Raymaker proposed the possibility of compensating residents who are already utilizing a recycling program.

Council Member Michael McLeod requested the creation of a local promotions fund as a way to promote Shenandoah’s businesses that would not qualify for funding from the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“The idea there is that we might have an event that would be something that would be local,” McLeod said. “But we’re not talking about people coming and staying the night. Somebody threw out the idea of a food truck festival. … Maybe we work with some groups in the area and we have a '50s themed weekend. This would be an event that would benefit Shenandoah and would cost some money from Shenandoah, but would put people in our community, eating in our restaurants, visiting our businesses, but not be eligible for CVB funds.”

Council Member Dean Gristy was not in attendance to explain his request, and Council Member Charlie Bradt said he has not submitted his requests at this time.