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Residents urge caution on 1% increase; one speaker backs 0.5% alternative
Summary
During public comment residents said a smaller 0.5% increase might be more likely to pass and questioned aspects of the ballot language and who would file pro-arguments; others raised concerns about revenue going to the general fund and legal weight of council-authored arguments.
Two residents and multiple council members spoke during the public-comment period, offering differing views on the proposed 1% tax. Tim Holt told the council he believed a 0.5% increase would have a better chance of passage, saying, "I was involved in the campaign that got the last 1 passed. That, I believe, would raise a $135,000 a year." Holt cautioned that moving to 1% "you're kind of going into new and chanceier territory."
Dwight Bailey, who gave his address as 5906 Castle Avenue, raised three concerns about the draft document: that a failed measure could be misread as ending the existing ordinance; that Section 6's delegation to the attorney needed clarification; and that Section 7's authorization for council members to file the pro-argument could create legal problems. Bailey said the council should be "in unison and things done proper," and expressed worry about directing funds to the general fund.
