Residents press council on budget priorities, data‑center transparency, taxes and neighborhood services

Dozens of residents used the public‑information period Wednesday to press Petersburg City Council on a range of topics, including the city budget, data centers, personal property taxes and neighborhood services.

Nicole Ventura, a Ward 5 resident, urged the council to prioritize streets, sidewalks, lighting, public safety and code enforcement over discretionary spending such as expanded holiday decorations and continued support for the municipal golf course. “Every budget is a statement of values,” Ventura said, asking the city to focus on basic services that affect daily life and visitor perceptions.

Other commenters raised transparency concerns about recently reported data‑center proposals. Councilmember Coburn said he learned of three new data‑center sites from a news article the same day and urged the administration to keep council and the public better informed. “The administration needs to be and do a better job of informing city council and also informing the public what’s going on,” he said. Several commenters also criticized permitting and administrative bottlenecks that hampered special events and economic development applications.

Speakers highlighted additional issues including high personal property taxes, illegal dumping, the need for better city communication with residents who are deaf or blind, and requests for more neighborhood paving and beautification work. Council members and staff responded to many comments, noted follow‑ups, and directed staff to contact individual residents where appropriate.