Council adopts annexation moratoria and approves first reading of FY2027 budget with rollback assumption

Council acted on two time‑sensitive items late in the meeting. The City Manager asked council to adopt an emergency 30‑day moratorium restricting the acceptance of new business‑licensing, development and construction applications for parcels that were brought into city limits through recent state legislation. Council voted to add the item to the agenda and adopted the 30‑day emergency moratorium by unanimous voice vote.

Council then approved first reading of a 120‑day moratorium (to run concurrently and proceed to second reading at the next council meeting). The moratoria are intended to give staff time to meet with parcel owners and stakeholders, clarify zoning and establish a consistent process for legislatively annexed properties now inside the city boundary.

On the budget, the Finance Director presented the FY2027 draft: total proposed spending across funds of about $104 million, a general fund of roughly $34.3 million representing a ~5% increase, and a rollback millage assumption predicated on 2.5% new construction growth. The proposal includes a 4% water/sewer rate increase (effective July 1), a 4% stormwater rate increase and modest personnel changes including phased reclassifications tied to two new fire stations. Council approved first reading of the FY2027 budget and the associated motions to move the process forward (first reading carried 6–0). A final vote and millage rate setting will occur after the certified digest is received.