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Auburn council holds first reading of FY2026 municipal budget amid public pleas to spare recreation and senior programs
Summary
Councilors held a public hearing and first reading of the FY2026 municipal budget. Residents and local organizations urged the council to reconsider proposed cuts to the Recreation Department and senior services; councilors debated a motion to cut future council stipends by 50% and discussed next steps before the second reading.
The Auburn City Council opened a public hearing and conducted the first reading of the FY2026 municipal budget on May 5, 2025, after which the council voted to adopt the budget on first reading by a 6–1 roll-call vote.
Several residents and organization representatives urged the council to reverse proposed reductions to the Recreation Department and senior services. "The proposed $80,000 cut to the recreation department represents more than just a line item. It risks our senior programming," Misty Edgecomb, chair of the Auburn Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, told the council during the hearing.
Becky Hutchins, a senior resident, described the programming at the senior center as essential for social interaction and well-being. "The programming is especially important for introverts. It gives us a safe place that is warm in the winter and cool in the summer," she said. James Parakilis, board chair of LA Arts, warned a proposed reduction would limit a $10,000 senior arts workshop and constrain public-art collaboration.
Councilors discussed a motion by Councilor Belinda Gary to cut the mayor and councilors’ stipends in half for the coming term as an offset. Councilors clarified that under the charter the council cannot reduce stipends for sitting members during their term but can amend budget lines affecting future stipends. The motion to reduce the stipend line failed on a 2–5 roll-call vote (Gary and Milks in favor; Platts, Whiting, Cowen, Milks, Weisner, Walker recorded as described in roll call), and the council returned to the main budget motion.
Councilor Adam Platt said he would vote to advance the budget at first reading to keep the process on schedule and look for amendments before the second reading. The first-reading vote passed 6–1: Councilor Platt, Rick Whiting, Tim Cowan, Steve Milks, Ben Weisner and Leroy Walker voted in favor; Councilor Belinda Gary voted no.
The council will hold a second reading and take additional public comment at the regular meeting on May 19; councilors and staff said they would explore options to mitigate impacts to recreation and senior services before the final vote.
