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Council member urges AI investment, water-rate tiers and EDA review ahead of 2027 budget
Summary
A council member recommended investing in AI and automation tools, adding higher-tier water rates and holding EDA sessions led by an external consultant to prepare Baxter for growth in the 2027 budget; the remarks focused on efficiency, rate structure and outreach methods.
A council member offered several budget-related suggestions for council consideration: invest in AI and automation to streamline tasks (plan review, contract review, policy drafting), consider adding top tiers to water rates to improve future revenue, and hold Economic Development Authority sessions with outside expertise. "I suggest that we make a financial investment into AI training and resources regarding automating tasks, like plan review, contract review, creating policies," the council member said, framing the suggestions as upfront investments that could reduce staff workload later.
The member also urged enhanced electronic communications (city mailing lists, QR code sign-ups) so property owners receive early notice when their property is on a feasibility study or assessment, and supported extending notification timelines to protect residents from short notice. The member noted Baxter is a regional retail hub and argued some sales tax revenue is generated by non-residents, suggesting that regionally driven traffic contributes to city needs and costs.
