Roseville council discusses increased Airbnb options and $498K budget adjustments

The Roosevelt City Council meeting on March 18, 2025, focused on several key issues, including discussions on local housing options, budget adjustments for the upcoming fiscal year, and rising bank charges related to credit card transactions.

One of the primary topics was the potential expansion of short-term rental options in Roosevelt. Council members discussed the growing popularity of Airbnb rentals, noting that the city currently has seven active listings. There is a desire to increase this number to around 20, with suggestions to ease restrictions on where these rentals can be located. The council acknowledged the importance of accommodating families and visitors, particularly with upcoming events that could attract more tourists to the area.

In addition to housing discussions, the council reviewed the fiscal year 2025 budget. A significant request was made to add $13,000 for the Fourth of July community celebration, which had been discussed in previous meetings. Other budget considerations included an increase in bank charges and processing fees, which totaled approximately $85,900. This figure reflects a rise in credit card usage among residents, leading to higher costs for the city. The council is exploring options to mitigate these fees, including possibly implementing charges for credit card transactions.

Further budget requests included funds for increased cleaning services, maintenance for city facilities, and upgrades to the golf course, which received donations for improvements. The total budget increase request for capital projects was noted at approximately $498,744.79.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from council members to revisit the short-term rental policies and to continue analyzing the financial implications of rising bank charges. The discussions highlighted the city's efforts to enhance recreational offerings and manage its budget effectively as it prepares for the upcoming fiscal year.