Public hearing on proposed FY2027 budget highlights debate over Office of Community Safety funding and a small tax increase

City staff presented the manager’s recommended FY2027 budget at the May 26 meeting, followed by a public hearing that included two speakers in favor and three in opposition.

Finance staff summarized highlights: a recommended tax rate of 47.95 (a three-cent increase), a recommended CIP of roughly $97 million in projects for 2027 (noting stormwater and transportation priorities), and proposed allocations that emphasize public safety, parks and transportation. Staff emphasized the budget is recommended and subject to council review in upcoming work sessions.

Public commenters focused on competing priorities and the Office of Community Safety (OCS). Ben Holtquist from Strong Towns urged more efficient land use and higher density to grow the tax base instead of raising taxes; Toriano Riddick and other speakers urged full funding of OCS to sustain youth programs, mental-health responses and violence-prevention initiatives. Bobbi Burgess and Lizette Rodriguez, representing community groups, warned that proposed reductions to OCS could curtail youth programming, community violence interruption work, and behavioral-health response efforts. Curt Salish testified he opposed the tax increase, saying repeated small increases have fiscal impact on fixed-income residents.

City staff noted that the proposed budget embeds priorities outlined by council (community safety, infrastructure, and employee investments) and that the council will consider revisions in scheduled work sessions; the manager expects final adoption in early June to meet timelines for July 1 start of the fiscal year.

Council members asked for more detailed breakdowns and scheduled follow-up work sessions to review public-safety positions and budget questions before final adoption.