Residents and council members press city over rising taxes, call for clearer budget process ahead of Sept. 25 hearing

Dozens of residents used the council's public-comment period on Sept. 17 to press elected officials about rising local taxes and to demand clearer review opportunities and stronger fiscal oversight ahead of the council's scheduled budget hearing on Sept. 25.

"Mark the date September 25 to come down here for the budget hearing," said Lisa Mitchelson Parker, a commenter who urged a forensic audit and said she believed recent tax changes and other city revenue shortfalls show mismanagement. Parker cited what she described as prior increases and proposals for next year: "7.8% last year, 7% in the third quarter this year, and a proposal for 9% in 2026." She said residents deserve night and weekend hearings and a full 30-day public review window.

The administration and council responded that the budget…