Several residents used the public comment period to raise fiscal transparency and administrative issues. The most repeated request was that the city complete the FY2024 audit before finalizing the FY2026 budget.

Brandon Williams, who identified himself by street address, told the Finance Committee he “feels very strongly” the FY2024 audit should be complete before enactment of the FY2026 budget. Finance staff replied auditors had received materials in December but encountered new migration‑related items when they arrived this week and that staff were working with the vendor and auditors to close out the list. Staff did not provide a firm date for audit completion and acknowledged the audit timeline creates risk that the budget may be passed before the FY2024 audit is final.

Other public comments and council discussion included:

- Council stipends: A resident asked the council to budget for the automatic annual stipend increases described by the charter (an annual $50/$40 increase referenced in the charter provision starting 01/01/2012). Council members discussed whether an increased budget line should be included so the incoming council could choose to accept or decline the stipend; one councilor said he donates his stipend to the library and another said acceptance of the check is not mandatory.

- Personal property tax enforcement: A resident asked whether annual business license renewals and on‑site checks by code enforcement could improve accuracy and collection of personal property tax declarations. Staff said they would discuss the idea with the tax collector and code enforcement but warned about the workload such inspections would create.

- Paving bid transparency: A councilor asked staff to provide public records and bid materials for a previous paving bid that had reported problems; staff agreed to provide the bidding documents via email before the upcoming Monday council vote.

Ending: Staff reiterated they will continue to work with auditors and the vendor (Cassell) to complete the audit and will provide requested bid materials; residents and councilors urged timely completion of audits and clearer access to procurement records before major budget votes.