Residents urge protecting police funding and restoring economic development support during McMinnville budget hearing

During the May 20, 2025 budget hearing residents and business leaders testified on the proposed FY26 budget, urging the committee to prioritize public safety and economic-support programs.

Todd Butterfield, who identified himself as a McMinnville resident, told the committee: "To save a little bit of time, I'll reference Jeb Baldine's May ninth, which McCollum in the news register, which did a good job of summarizing the city's financial situation and I agree with it. Particularly the notion to sell RB Rubber property for 4 or $5,000,000, not give it away because we can't afford to do that." He urged the committee to "maintain or increase the McMinnville Police Department, particularly law enforcement officers, reserve officers, and school safety officers," saying cuts would deter patrons to local businesses and reduce property values.

Lori Robertson, who said she represents the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP) board and is active with the Willamette workforce partnership, asked the committee to "reconsider the $75,000 that's being cut from the MEDP." Robertson said MEDP helped connect small local businesses to large aerospace firms and that losing MEDP support could jeopardize local business growth.

Mark Davis, a retired CPA, said he supported adopting the FY26 budget as proposed by staff, noting staff had “clearly gone through an internal process to share the pain of the necessary cuts.” He expressed skepticism about spending limited general-fund dollars to hold a bond election for a pool and community center given earlier polling about measure support.

Committee members acknowledged the public comments as the committee continued detailed departmental questioning and presentations.