Saratoga Springs council approves North Cove phasing change, interim budget and public-safety pay perks

Saratoga Springs’ City Council on June 16 approved a series of development and budget measures, including a major amendment to the North Cove development agreement to loosen phasing rules, an interim budget tied to a proposed property-tax increase and a resolution to pick up certain public-safety retirement contributions.

Planner Sarah introduced the North Cove amendment, saying the change splits the recorded phasing plan and adds a zero-lot-line option to make mixed-use townhomes financeable and allow phases to be built in parallel. “This allows the residential to move ahead of the commercial,” Sarah said, adding that utilities and roads would be pad-ready while timing for some commercial components remains flexible. The council approved the amendment by unanimous roll call.

The council also approved a reimbursement agreement with a developer for infrastructure at the Pony Express corridor, including an upsized storm drain and a newly signalized intersection. Project representatives told the council those improvements will benefit both the private project and the city.

On finance matters, staff presented the statutorily required property-tax impact schedule and an interim operating budget that will keep city operations funded until a final budget is adopted. Staff said the proposed rate adjustments would generate about $3,100,000 in new revenue intended for public-safety needs. “We’re looking to raise $3,100,000 in new money to pay for public safety,” the budget presenter said. Council adopted the interim budget and a direction limiting average merit increases to no more than 4% for FY 2026–27.

Councilors also voted unanimously to approve resolution R-26-36 authorizing the employer pickup of certain tier-2 public-safety retirement contributions—an item staff framed as a recruitment and retention tool amid regional competition for police and firefighters. “Picking this up keeps us on equal footing and helps us be competitive when trying to hire public-safety employees,” a council member said during debate.

Votes at a glance - Business item 1 — North Cove development agreement (Ordinance 26-28): approved, roll-call (Davenport, Taylor, Wilson, Waddman, Barton — yes). - Business item 2 — Reimbursement agreement for Bridal/Ryder Station (Resolution R-26-35): approved, unanimous. - Business item 4 — Interim budget and compensation direction (Ordinance 26-27): approved, unanimous. - Business item 5 — Employer pickup for public-safety retirement contributions (Resolution R-26-36): approved, unanimous. - Business item 6 — Certified tax rate for FY2026–27 (Resolution R-26-37): approved, unanimous.

Why it matters The amendments to North Cove aim to unblock financing and construction on a waterfront mixed-use project by allowing more flexible phasing; council and staff emphasized the city still has zoning and development-agreement tools to require commercial components, but acknowledged timing may vary. Budget and tax actions begin a multi-step public process that could increase property-tax revenue for public safety if the council proceeds after required hearings in August.

What’s next Staff said the property-tax impact schedule and certified tax rate are interim steps; the council must hold a public truth-in-taxation hearing in August before any tax increase becomes final. Several council members asked for follow-up reporting on Splash attendance numbers and on developer commitments tied to North Cove.