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Residents urge council to preserve library and pool as petitioners offer a funding swap
Summary
Multiple residents presented petitions (400+ signatures) and urged the council to find funds to maintain library and pool services; a local nonprofit (Vital Villages Oregon) proposed using restricted housing funds to buy a property and transfer it for community benefit as a one‑time bridge.
During the public‑comment period, several speakers asked the council and budget committee to protect library and pool services threatened by a projected shortfall.
"Please do your best," said Daniel Leerson, identifying himself as a resident, as he urged the council to search for funding to keep library services and the pool running. Petitioners including Tasha Lava and Audrey Milan told the council they had gathered hundreds of signatures in one week to demand adequate library funding to maintain hours, staff and services.
April Bender, representing Vital Villages Oregon, proposed a budget bridge that would use the city's restricted housing fund to purchase the former pallet shelter property at 2205 Highway 99 for $220,000 and then transfer it to her organization as a community benefit to unlock $99,000 in immediate funds for city services. Bender described plans to convert the property into a permanent hub for services including shelter and workforce training and asked the council to meet with Vital Villages to further develop the proposal.
"This move immediately unlocks the cash needed to save our community programs, leaving the city with a surplus of $99,000," Bender said. Andrew Gotaut, aligned with the same group, urged a housing‑first approach to reduce homelessness and noted broader regional examples.
Councilors acknowledged the petitions and urged continued scrutiny of the budget. One councilor noted that although the library's services were funded in the proposed budget, personnel changes had reduced program hours and participation; council and staff said the budget committee and staff were actively reviewing alternatives. The city manager and staff committed to continued review and to consider public suggestions and legal requirements.
No formal council action was taken tonight on the proposals; petition materials were accepted for the public record and staff and the budget committee will review funding options during upcoming meetings.
