Residents urge loosening of chicken limit and raise property-tax concerns at Solomon meeting

Several Solomon residents used the Sept. 8 public-comment period to press the City Council on backyard livestock rules and property taxes.

Barbara Glover, who identified herself as a 52-year resident of Solomon, urged the council to increase the city's six-chicken limit. She argued that a higher limit would support self-sufficiency, especially as egg prices rise, and said she pays an annual permit fee yet remains restricted in the number of birds she can keep. Monica Christman said she keeps chickens, pays the permit fee and agreed that six chickens is insufficient for her household.

Residents also raised concerns about property taxes. Kirk Byarlay said his property taxes have doubled over nine years and criticized government spending; Brad Gillett highlighted the strain on seniors with fixed incomes and urged spending reductions. Council members responding to those comments said staff are reviewing expenses line by line and noted that the city's mill rate has decreased in recent years, with only a modest increase proposed for 2026.

Separately during public comment, Justin Coup asked the council to provide barricades for homecoming events on Williams Street to improve safety and said organizers have identified roughly eight events that would benefit from barricades.

The council did not adopt changes to the chicken ordinance or alter tax policy at the meeting; public-comment concerns were noted for follow-up.