Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget Options topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Councilors weigh voter levy, fee or service reductions as funding options
Summary
Councilors debated whether to fund public safety through a utility surcharge, a property-tax levy placed on the ballot, or by reducing services; several asked staff to analyze levy amounts, ballot timing and multi‑jurisdiction options for Aug. 5.
During discussion following public comment, councilors asked staff to prepare options that included a voter levy, a fee, or service-level reductions to close the budget gap.
Multiple councilors noted that a levy spreads cost based on property values and could be a more equitable long‑term solution than a flat fee. One councilor asked whether the city could make the November ballot deadline and whether advisory versus binding measures were options; staff replied it was possible but cautioned that running a successful multi‑year operational levy campaign would require significant preparation.
Council members also discussed exploring a wider service district or combining services with neighboring jurisdictions to gain efficiencies; Derek Volcard's suggestion about the PSU study and potential IGAs was flagged as relevant background. The council asked staff to bring specific levy options and comparative analyses (including voter timelines and potential service-level tradeoffs) to the Aug. 5 meeting so the council can consider ballot and ordinance choices.
