Council sets Truth-in-Taxation hearing after approving tentative FY2027 budget statements

Finance staff presented the tentative FY2027 budget and an accompanying property-tax impact statement that shows a proposed 20% increase to the general operations levy and a reduction to the debt levy, producing a net estimated average monthly change of about $2.21 for the average homeowner. Staff and the mayor emphasized that passage of the tentative budget only begins the statutory notice process; the final decision and a series of hearings remain.

Cheryl Lowe, finance director, detailed the state-required disclosures and the fiscal rationale: increasing public safety contract costs were identified as the primary driver for the proposed increase and staff explained that without a property tax increase the city would need to raise the public-safety utility fee by roughly $4 per ERU. Councilmembers voted to adopt the resolution acknowledging the budget officer’s statement, to adopt the tentative budget resolution, and to set the August 11 Truth-in-Taxation hearing; the votes were recorded by roll call when motions were made and seconded.

Public comment was invited during the hearing; the mayor and council reminded residents that the process provides additional opportunities for public input in June and August. The council approved the required resolutions to remain compliant with state law and to allow further public review ahead of any final tax increase decision.