Residents urge Otsego council to hold public forum on EDA decisions and tax impacts

During the Oct. 27 open forum, resident Mary Barthelemy said many residents felt frustrated and unclear about recent decisions that went to the Economic Development Authority rather than the council. "I thought that part of talking meant you ask a question and you get a reply," Barthelemy said. She asked for a public forum where residents could ask questions and receive answers from officials.

Barthelemy said she had reviewed the EDA materials and could not find a public-hearing requirement for certain strategic-vision actions; she asked why some items were handled by the EDA rather than the council. "Instead of people being angry at you, why aren't we having a open forum where you can help people understand, like, this is the decision we made and why?" she said.

Multiple councilmembers responded that they support creating a forum to address questions, though some said they would prefer to wait until staff had more information on pending changes. One councilmember noted that when Chief Scott has additional details on emergency services and related operations, that may be an appropriate time for broader public engagement.

No formal motion or schedule for a forum was adopted at the meeting. Councilmembers asked staff to continue preparing information and to follow up with councilors individually as details become available.

The meeting record does not show a vote or an adopted resolution establishing a forum; the discussion was limited to expressions of support and a request for staff follow-up.