Knox council approves 2026 budget, accepts small-dwelling standard, denies chickens-and-rabbits amendment and OKs stop signs

The Knox City Council approved the town’s 2026 budget and took several land‑use and safety votes during a regular meeting.

Mayor (speaker S1) opened the public hearing on the 2026 budget and announced a maximum levy figure of “$2,148,602.” After no substantive public objections, a council member moved to adopt the 2026 budget and the motion passed by voice vote.

The council also accepted a Planning Commission recommendation to allow a 700‑square‑foot two‑story dwelling standard in the two‑mile jurisdiction, with an amendment discussed by Planning Commission member Jeff (speaker S4) to permit a lower‑floor minimum of 400 square feet. “We amended it actually to, with a minimum of 400 square feet for the 2 story,” Jeff said, and the council approved the commission’s recommendation by voice vote.

On a separate land‑use item, the council considered a proposed amendment to ordinance 958 that would have allowed chickens and rabbits inside city limits by special use permit. Jeff summarized the Sept. 2 public hearing and the Planning Commission’s unfavorable recommendation, saying the commission heard no public support for the change; he moved that the council deny the amendment. The motion carried, with the mayor recording opposition; council discussion noted the commission’s findings and public testimony as the basis for the denial.

Council members also approved installation of stop signs on McGill Street at its intersection with Washington Street after residents raised safety concerns. The mayor and council discussed that no formal traffic study was available and that stop signs are typically considered for safety at problem intersections; the council voted to place stop signs on McGill.

The council announced its next meeting for Sept. 23 and adjourned.