During a recent city council meeting, members approved a resolution allowing claims and demands totaling $7,429,636.77, as examined by the city treasurer. The motion passed with a unanimous vote of 7-0.

The council then moved to the consent calendar, where item 12.10 was pulled from consideration. The remaining items were approved without objection.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public hearing regarding the city's transactions and use tax, currently set at half a percent and scheduled to sunset on March 31, 2029. City Attorney Padilla explained that this tax is collected alongside sales tax and is unrestricted, meaning its proceeds can be used for any general governmental purpose. To extend the tax, a two-thirds council vote is required to place it on the ballot, where it would need a simple majority to pass.

Padilla highlighted that the city could potentially increase its tax rate to 3.25%, generating an additional $3.5 million in general fund revenues. However, this increase hinges on the outcome of a countywide ballot measure related to affordable housing, which could open up additional tax revenue opportunities.

The council discussed the implications of placing two tax measures on the ballot—one for the proposed 0.75% increase and another for a potential full 1% tax contingent on the county measure's success. While the dual measures could maximize revenue, concerns were raised about voter confusion and the risk of both measures failing.

The council is expected to make a decision on the ballot measures in an upcoming meeting, with the deadline for ballot arguments approaching. The cost of placing each measure on the ballot is estimated at $11,000, contributing to a total election cost of approximately $277,108 for one measure or $288,108 for two.

The meeting concluded with a brief recess before further discussions on the public hearing items.