Philomath Urban Renewal Agency adopts 2025-26 budget, declares tax increment

The Philomath Urban Renewal Agency unanimously adopted Resolution 25-15 on Monday evening, approving the agency's 2025-26 budget, making appropriations and declaring the maximum tax increment to fund URA operations.

An unidentified meeting facilitator opened the public hearing at 7:02 p.m. and staff reviewed the resolution's provisions, saying the budget committee had approved the URA budget on June 4 and that Resolution 25-15 sets appropriation levels and the tax increment certification required under the Oregon Constitution. "The agenda item summary [for] public hearing for resolution 25-15, adopting the budget, making appropriations, and declaring a tax increment for the 25-26 fiscal year," a staff member said during the presentation.

No members of the public signed up to speak. After discussion concluded, an attendee moved to close the public hearing and Councilor Diane Crocker moved to adopt Resolution 25-15; Councilor Mike Caseman seconded. The facilitator called for the vote; members present responded "Aye," and the facilitator announced, "That motion passes unanimously." According to the roll call earlier in the meeting, Jessica Andrade, Diane Crocker, Spencer Erwin, Mike Caseman, Lisa Nielsen and "Mister McMoran" were present; Rich Salsas was excused.

Staff recited the budget totals and explained that unappropriated ending fund balance remains part of the URA's total requirements; the number as read in the record was unclear. The staff presentation also noted that certification to the county assessor is required under Section 1, Article 9 of the Oregon Constitution but that a special levy is not required for this fiscal year.

The meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 25-15 (Adopt 2025-26 URA budget, make appropriations, declare tax increment) —Mover: Councilor Diane Crocker; Second: Councilor Mike Caseman. Vote: 6 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain, 1 absent/excused (Rich Salsas).