Council raises 112% tax increase concern for police station, suggests negotiating infrastructure with data center

Councilor JD Parady told colleagues that funding a proposed police station could require a 112% property-tax increase and suggested negotiating infrastructure contributions with a prospective data center to avoid or reduce such an increase. Parady noted timing concerns because the state could later limit the city’s ability to increase taxes and urged exploring alternative funding before committing to a large tax hike.

Separately, the council reviewed the city's pay philosophy and debated whether to keep the current step-and-grade system or move toward merit-based pay. Members discussed fairness and equitable compensation across departments and the idea of granting departments discretionary funds for merit-based bonuses; the council agreed to explore additional options to support employee growth and skills.