During a recent city council meeting, city manager Mike Sauerwein announced plans to close three existing homeless shelters in favor of a new, centralized one-stop shelter aimed at providing comprehensive support for individuals facing housing challenges. The initiative, developed in collaboration with St. Vincent de Paul, seeks to transition resources from two currently unstaffed shelters to a new facility designed to better assist the homeless population.

However, the announcement has sparked concerns among community members regarding the decision-making process. Critics argue that the approach taken by the city council has felt predetermined, limiting public input and discussion. One resident expressed frustration over the perceived lack of transparency, stating that the May 18 work session felt more like a presentation of a pre-decided plan rather than an open forum for community engagement.

The resident also raised concerns about the projected number of individuals to be accommodated in the new shelter, noting a discrepancy in figures—initially reported as 60, now increased to 80. This raises questions about the sustainability of the program, particularly if the community continues to attract more individuals in need of shelter. The resident urged the council to reconsider the plan and engage more meaningfully with the community to address potential negative impacts.

As the city moves forward with its plans, the call for greater transparency and community involvement remains a critical point of discussion among residents.