During a recent city council meeting, community members voiced their concerns and support regarding the city's budget and public safety funding in light of anticipated population growth. Resident Don Armelle emphasized the need for adequate funding for emergency services, citing the addition of 4,000 new housing units that would likely increase demand for police, fire, and EMS responses. He cautioned against minimizing emergency budgets, arguing that the city must be prepared for future incidents, especially given unpredictable weather patterns.

Another resident, Ed Newbert, expressed frustration over the absence of council members at a previous public meeting, questioning their commitment to community engagement. He raised concerns about the city’s budgeting approach, suggesting that increased tax revenue from new developments should lead to lower tax rates rather than higher costs for existing residents.

City Manager Charles Penny clarified that while new developments would eventually contribute to the tax base, the city cannot budget based on projected revenues until those developments are completed. He noted that the council's cautious approach is necessary to ensure fiscal responsibility.

Cassandra Michael, a local taxpayer advocate, criticized the council for not adhering to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, claiming that previous public hearings lacked the required quorum. She warned that failure to comply could lead to legal challenges against proposed tax increases.

The discussion also touched on the city's public safety funding, with council members acknowledging the need for increased investment in police and fire services to address staffing shortages. Mayor Charles Penny highlighted the importance of maintaining public safety, stating that the city had previously avoided tax increases during challenging times, but now faced difficult decisions to ensure adequate funding for essential services.

As the council deliberates on the budget, the community remains engaged, advocating for transparency and accountability in how taxpayer dollars are allocated, particularly in light of the city's growth and evolving needs.