A central topic of the meeting was the discussion surrounding a tax abatement proposal for a new housing development project. The developer requested a 75% reimbursement of the new property tax generated by the project for ten years, prompting council members to deliberate on the balance between incentivizing development and ensuring fairness to existing taxpayers. Skepticism was expressed by some members regarding the principle of tax abatements, with one member voicing personal discomfort over providing tax relief to developers when regular taxpayers do not receive similar benefits. Despite these reservations, there was an acknowledgment of the financial benefits the development could bring, with one member noting that the taxes generated from the developed site would surpass what would be collected if the land remained vacant.

The council agreed on the importance of transparency regarding the financial implications of the tax abatement, with a member emphasizing the need for clear communication with residents. A motion to schedule a public hearing to gather community input on the tax abatement was unanimously approved.

In tandem with the tax abatement discussions, the council reviewed the city’s budget, highlighting a deficit that had been reduced from over $293,000 to $155,646. City Administrator Joel Ericson presented the proposed final budget for 2026, detailing cuts across various departments. Notably, the police department faced a significant reduction of nearly $50,000, while the library’s budget was reduced by over $10,000. The library board emphasized the importance of maintaining cleaning services, particularly given the shared building with a care center for elderly residents. It was noted that these services are vital for public health and safety, and a request was made to use reserve funds to sustain them.

The council’s deliberations on the budget underscored a broader dialogue about the sustainability of using reserve funds to cover shortfalls. A member pointed out that while using reserves could alleviate immediate budget pressures, it might lead to challenges in future years. The discussions revealed a shared responsibility among council members to navigate the financial difficulties facing the city while considering the needs of the community.

Another topic discussed was the establishment of a Founders Day Committee through Ordinance 2025-335. The ordinance formalized the committee’s structure, including the appointment of a non-voting council liaison and guidelines for committee expenditures. The council unanimously approved the ordinance, following a public hearing in which no public opposition was voiced.

The meeting also addressed concerns about off-street parking regulations, particularly those impacting residential properties. Proposed amendments to the city code sought to regulate the parking of recreational vehicles and ensure that vehicles are parked on hard surfaces. Debate arose over the allowable number of vehicles on residential properties, with members considering the potential impact on families with multiple drivers. The council acknowledged the need for further discussion on the ordinance.

In addition to these discussions, the council reviewed a proposal for the city’s participation in the design and cost-sharing of a lift station and force main for the Bixby development. The decision between a city-led or developer-led design was debated, with a preference expressed for the city to maintain control over the project to ensure future developments align with long-term goals.

As the meeting concluded, updates were provided on various community projects and events, including preparations for the Founders Festival and the closure of the old city hall. The council’s discussions highlighted a commitment to addressing the city’s financial challenges while prioritizing community development and engagement.