Council hears public comment on 2026 operating budget, HOME and CDBG plans; no action taken

City staff opened public hearings on the proposed 2026 operating budget and two federally funded housing and community programs—HOME and the Community Development Block Grant—providing a high-level overview of revenue, major changes and next steps. No final council action was taken; the hearings are part of the public-review process ahead of action scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.

Budget highlights presented by the city budget officer included a proposed total 2026 budget of roughly $114 million and a general fund increase driven largely by debt service and net new construction. Staff said the capital improvement budget is projected to decline by about $5.5 million while the municipal levy is projected to increase by just under $1 million (above 5%), with the tax rate estimated to rise about $0.263 per $1,000 of assessed value. Staff proposed a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for non-represented employees and said represented employees will receive negotiated contract increases. The presentation noted the city will return Nov. 3 for formal consideration of the operating budget; no votes…