The City Council of Brookings convened on November 26, 2024, to address several key agenda items, beginning with a proclamation in support of Small Business Saturday. Mayor O. K. G. Neimeyer declared Saturday, November 30, 2024, as Small Business Saturday, emphasizing the importance of local businesses to the community. He highlighted that 68 cents of every dollar spent at small businesses remains within the local economy, contributing significantly to job creation and economic activity.

Following the proclamation, Finance Director Ashley Rents presented the year-to-date financial report. She provided an overview of the city’s sales tax revenues, which are currently 5.5% higher than the previous year and 7.7% above budget projections, amounting to an excess of approximately $581,000 for the first and second penny sales tax and $171,000 for the 3B tax. Rents noted that the 3B tax had shown flat growth until an audit payment of about $64,000 was received in September, indicating potential underreporting issues that are now being addressed.

Rents also discussed the performance of the business improvement districts, which have remained stable, generating $14,000 below budget. She assured the council that the budgeting for 2025 aligns with the financial trends observed in 2023 and 2024. Current expenditures and revenues across various funds were reported, with general fund expenditures at 73% and revenues at 81%, indicating a healthy financial status as the city approaches the end of the fiscal year.

The meeting concluded with a focus on maintaining fiscal responsibility and preparing for the upcoming budget year, ensuring that the city remains on track with its financial goals.