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Residents press commissioners on taxes, affordability, fire staffing and transit at budget hearing
Summary
Dozens of residents addressed the commission with competing views: some urged raising the mill levy to restore public‑safety staffing and services; others warned higher property taxes would worsen affordability and asked for alternative budget scenarios and outcome metrics.
An extended public‑comment period drew a wide range of views on the proposed budget and policy priorities. Supporters of restoring first‑responder staffing and pay urged the commission to accept the city manager's proposal for additional funding for Fire/Medical Station 6 and to improve police staffing; unions and emergency‑services advocates emphasized response times and long‑term risks. "The need for firefighters or more firefighters and paramedics in this community is an established fact," said IFF Local 1596 President Simon Stevenson.
Opponents and concerned residents warned that a mill‑levy increase would intensify housing unaffordability for renters and homeowners. Commentators asked for alternative budgets that show tradeoffs (for example, smaller wage adjustments or phased station staffing) and for clearer outcome metrics linked to services. Several speakers asked the city to provide multiple budget scenarios for public review so residents can compare impacts and tradeoffs rather than facing a single recommendation.
