The discussion on taxes was fueled by residents expressing dissatisfaction with the city’s financial decisions and the perceived continuous pattern of tax increases. A resident, John Schumacher, criticized the council for rising taxes despite only a minor increase in property value, questioning the need for certain city expenditures, such as personnel for monitoring sick leave legislation, which he deemed redundant due to state law. Cheryl Patterson echoed these sentiments, urging the council to prioritize budgetary issues to prevent taxing residents out of their homes. Another resident, Jillian Ferguson, raised concerns about financial oversight, particularly regarding city funding for entities that may not comply with legal requirements.

The council’s deliberation on the budget underscored a tension between maintaining essential services and managing financial constraints. Councilmember Lowman sought clarity on projected tax increases for 2026, expressing concern over an anticipated 18% spike. The council’s challenge lies in balancing fiscal responsibility with the community’s desire for continued investment in services like police and fire, which make up a portion of the budget.

In addition to the tax discussion, the council addressed the appointment of Cynthia Hunt to the Port Authority Commission. Despite some council members advocating for new perspectives within the commission, the mayor reaffirmed his belief in Hunt’s capabilities, citing her extensive experience. The motion to appoint her passed with a vote of six in favor and one against, sparking debate over the lack of turnover and diversity within the Port Authority.

The council also tackled zoning and housing regulations, focusing on missing middle housing to diversify the city’s housing stock. Amendments to zoning regulations were considered to lower barriers for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and two-family dwellings.

Concerns about rising costs for borrowing, labor, and land were noted, complicating the creation of new housing units. Despite these challenges, there was a strong desire among staff to seek solutions for increasing the number of middle housing types, emphasizing the need for pre-approved site plans to facilitate development.

The meeting also featured a review of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2025 through 2034, focusing on planning and budgeting for future city projects. Updates included deferring certain projects and reducing funding for initiatives like the Community Health Wellness Center parking ramp. The council underscored the importance of planning tools in guiding decisions, with Councilmember Lowman commending the CIP improvements over the years.

Additionally, the council discussed the implementation of new Customer Relationship Management software by the Port Authority to enhance tracking of business interactions. This initiative aligns with recent business survey results.

Amidst discussions on budget and infrastructure, the council addressed concerns about the city’s current spending priorities. A council member suggested prioritizing basic services over what they perceived as excessive spending on community engagement initiatives. The conversation also touched on the implications of leadership transitions with the upcoming resignation of the city manager, emphasizing the need for stability in city operations during this period.