Many residents addressed the commission. Stephanie Watson, a resident from Timber Creek, voiced concerns about the negative implications of cutting funds for youth sports, which she argued are important for community engagement and children’s development. Her sentiments were echoed by several others, including Brian Lambert and Diana Newkerk, who highlighted the importance of maintaining funding for youth sports and recreation programs. Lambert recalled his own experiences with youth sports as a means to stay out of trouble, while Newkerk emphasized the long-term benefits of investing in parks and recreation services for local families and neighboring municipalities.

In contrast, Ed Kelly and Sgt. Ray Llanes advocated for the proposed millage rate increase, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining tax revenues to support essential services like police and fire departments. Kelly noted that property tax revenues alone do not fully fund the budget, which also relies on other sources. Sgt. Llanes pointed out the progress made in staffing the police department, warning that reversing this progress could adversely affect public safety.

The discussion also touched on the city’s infrastructure needs, with George Burgess highlighting the urgent requirement for improvements, particularly in aging sewer lines. He suggested a review of recycling costs and proposed a community drop-off system to alleviate the need for a second truck, allowing residents to take more responsibility for their recycling.

The commissioners were divided on the issue, with some expressing a strong commitment to retaining essential services despite the proposed tax increase. One commissioner underscored the importance of community services, arguing that programs supporting children and seniors are not optional but essential.

In addition to the millage rate debate, the commission considered several ordinances, including the renaming of the Leisure Services Department to the Parks and Recreation Department, which passed unanimously. However, an ordinance allowing private tattoo studios as conditional uses in the B-4 central business zoning district failed with a vote of 3-2 against it. Another ordinance, allowing Walmart to expand its online grocery pickup service, passed unanimously.

The commission also addressed a proposed increase in water and sewer rates to fund capital projects totaling around $4 million annually. Residents using 2,000 gallons or less would not see an increase. The ordinance passed unanimously, as did another ordinance proposing an increase in fees for solid waste collection and disposal.

Another point of discussion was the amendment to the storm water utility fee, proposing a $2 per month increase starting on October 1, 2025, followed by an additional $2 increase on September 30, 2026. The rationale behind these increases is to fund planned storm water projects.

The meeting also addressed the city’s employee benefits arrangement, with a focus on proposals from two brokers: Brown and Brown, and Foundation Risk Partners. After deliberation, the commission decided to reject both bids, allowing for a renegotiation of the current contract and providing staff with the opportunity to explore alternatives over time.