Hazelwood’s money map for the coming year is officially set. On Wednesday night, the Hazelwood City Council signed off on the city’s fiscal year 2026–2027 budget and advanced a cluster of development and permit decisions that could reshape parts of the city’s industrial corridor. Council members also approved financing support for a new Jarrell Contracting headquarters, cleared special land-use items for local businesses, and handled a round of board appointments and service recognitions. The night wrapped with a temporary pause on new rules for e-bikes and scooters and an update on the search for a new city manager.
Budget and economic development
The council gave final approval to the FY 2026–2027 budget, locking in department spending plans and capital priorities for the next year. Members also authorized the issuance of Chapter 100 industrial revenue bonds for a proposed Jarrell Contracting headquarters, a move the city described on its Facebook page as an effort to support job retention and attract fresh investment, according to City of Hazelwood.
Chapter 100 industrial development bonds are a long-standing Missouri economic development tool that can provide tax exemptions for qualifying projects, as outlined by the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Jarrell’s existing presence in the area and details on its local operations are listed on the company’s own site at Jarrell Contracting.
Permits and local businesses
On the land-use front, the council approved a special land-use permit for the North St. Louis County Intergroup Office and signed off on an expansion for Two Lokos restaurant. Both items followed public hearings held earlier this month.
Notices and filings tied to those petitions were circulated through the city’s public notice process and regional legal listings. Documentation of the notices appears in statewide legal records maintained by Missouri Lawyers Media.
Appointments and recognitions
Council members also filled several volunteer seats that help steer Hazelwood’s economic and community initiatives. Tori Valenti and Troy Harris were appointed to the Industrial Development Authority, while Alexis Robinson was named to the Community Enrichment Commission.
The city used part of the meeting to spotlight long-term staff milestones. According to City of Hazelwood, William Simpson received a 25-year service award, and five-year recognitions went to Officer Robert Lunatto and Jimmy Becker.
In the same consent agenda package, the council approved Resolution No. 2606 to hire Vector Communications to handle outreach related to Proposition 1. All of those consent items moved through without roll-call controversy, according to the city.
Rules, recruitment and what’s next
The council spent part of the evening debating how to handle e-bikes, scooters, pocket bikes, and other small motorized devices on city streets and trails. After discussion, members opted to table the proposed regulations for more review and potential revisions rather than rush a vote.
There was also an update on the executive search for a new city manager. Council members reviewed a revised job description for the position, signaling that recruitment is still very much in progress.
Regular council meetings continue to be listed on the city’s public calendar, with the next session scheduled for mid-July at City Hall, according to the City of Hazelwood calendar.
