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Council reviews 2026 budget proposals for economic development, downtown investments and Chamber funding
Summary
Council discussed proposed 2026 allocations: $100,000 for economic development (same as prior years), a possible additional $50,000 earmark for downtown investment administered through DRDC, and a suggested shift in Chamber funding from $75,000 to $25,000 with $75,000 for an internal liaison; staff requested consensus ahead of ordinance readings.
Staff presented several 2026 budget options focused on economic development and downtown investment. The staff summary said the DRDC request would remain at $100,000 in line with prior years and that councilors had discussed a $50,000 earmark specifically for downtown projects administered through the DRDC.
Dan Klein, who identified himself as "president of economic development," summarized the DRDC's budget revisions and said the board had met and reached agreement on the updated request. Council members discussed splitting funds among an internal city staff liaison (budgeted at roughly $75,000 in one proposal), a reduced Chamber allocation ($25,000) and DRDC downtown investment funds. One proposal would create a dedicated $80,000 pot for downtown improvements by combining existing facade funds and new earmarks.
Council sought clarity on who would administer downtown-investment awards and the application process; Mitch Merrigan of the "Raps Development Corporation" asked for guidance on program scope and administration. Staff said the DRDC could run programs or contract subject-matter experts as needed; the council discussed forming an approval group similar to the existing facade program.
No final ordinance vote occurred; staff said the first reading of the ordinance will appear at the next meeting and asked councillors to flag any disagreements before that reading to avoid substantive changes between first and second reading.
