The conversation around the PILOT program, which involves contributions from the utility commission to the city, was particularly detailed. A proposal was put forward to implement a 3% increase for 2026, with future decisions deferred until a rate study could provide more information. Council members expressed significant concern about how this increase might affect electric rates for businesses and residents, equating such increases to hidden taxes on ratepayers.

A major point of contention was the PILOT’s impact on the city charter and whether the language regarding the program should be embedded in it. The council discussed the possibility of revising the charter to accommodate the PILOT changes, with some members advocating for a more straightforward administrative agreement instead. The complexities of the city’s current financial policies were laid bare, revealing a broader debate on utility revenue and fiscal management.

A motion was proposed to engage with the charter commission in revising the language related to the PILOT program. This motion received a second. The urgency of addressing these issues before the next charter commission meeting was underscored.

Another focus of the meeting was the challenges involved in establishing public charging stations for electric vehicles. The council addressed the financial and regulatory hurdles that have hindered previous attempts to install such infrastructure. A utilities manager highlighted the high costs associated with upgrading equipment to support Level 3 fast chargers, which are essential for accommodating the increasing demand from electric vehicle owners.

There was a shared understanding among council members about the need for strategic planning to manage energy consumption and infrastructure development for EVs. The discussion included ideas for potential public-private partnerships to support the installation of charging stations, with an emphasis on exploring collaborations with property owners willing to host these facilities.

The conversation also touched on the broader implications of electric vehicle adoption, including potential changes to rate structures to accommodate the unique demands of EV charging. The council considered the possibility of implementing time-of-use rates, which would allow residential customers to charge their vehicles during non-peak hours at a lower cost, thus managing demand more effectively.

In other business, the council deliberated on the integration of utility services into the city’s public works department. A motion to cease all utility services going to public works was rescinded, allowing staff to pursue integration efforts that could lead to a more efficient system.

Further topics included the approval of the Rotary Park solar contract, which was noted for its community benefits and cost-effectiveness. The council approved the contract, taking a step towards consistent revenue generation for the city. Additionally, the preliminary budget for 2026 was discussed, with corrections leading to a shift from a projected deficit to a surplus across departments, thanks to reductions in purchase power expenses.

The meeting also addressed operational updates, including the successful maintenance of water tower number two and the management of flow rates at the hydro dam.