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Ruston mayor warns of $350,000 shortfall after parking-tax reversal, previews Point Ruston talks and staff hires
Summary
Mayor Protene Bruce Hopkins told the council that a court reversal of the Point Ruston parking tax created a $350,000 hole in projected 2026 revenue; he discussed potential TerraCotta development, EPA/Department of Ecology remediation work and new city hires.
Mayor Protene Bruce Hopkins told the City Council on Nov. 4 that a recent ruling reversing the Point Ruston parking tax has removed an expected $350,000 from next year's budget. "The 2026 budget will be the worst they will have ever seen," the Mayor said, warning council members that the City must identify new revenue or reduce spending.
Hopkins said Ruston could see increased sales tax revenue if TerraCotta secures a building permit, and outlined exploratory discussions about a public-private partnership to develop and maintain a park on an EPA- and Ecology-managed parcel at Point Ruston. He also announced recent and incoming staffing changes: new staff member Sam Swain (with service dog Quilly), Utility Clerk Sooji Hartzell and Clerk Treasurer Mario Ortega. The Mayor said staff is preparing a Department of Commerce grant application to underground power lines and mentioned plans to study automated traffic cameras as a public-safety measure that could also generate citations.
Councilmembers acknowledged the fiscal concerns; Hedrick thanked the Ruston Police Department for enforcement work and urged voter turnout, Syler expressed confidence in the community's ability to tighten budgets, and Jensen highlighted traffic-safety priorities in potential budget amendments.
