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Residents urge council to justify raises ahead of Truth in Taxation hearing
Summary
Multiple residents raised concerns about proposed raises and rising benefits, citing household tax increases and urging the council to justify compensation before asking for higher property taxes. Mayor Wright reiterated the Truth in Taxation hearing will be Aug. 17.
Several residents used the public comment period at the July 21 meeting to question pay increases for elected officials and city employees ahead of the council's Truth in Taxation hearing. Craig Bailey said his household tax increase would likely exceed $700 next year and said River Heights' share would be about $120 per year (about $10 per month); he asked the council to review benefit policies after noting benefit costs for some staff had risen substantially.
An email from Shellie Giddings, read into the record by Mayor Wright, argued there was "zero reason anyone whose wages are paid by tax dollars should be getting a raise this year." Beth Price, a long‑time resident, asked for clear justification for pay increases and urged the council to help residents understand the rationale. Mayor Wright reminded attendees that a Truth in Taxation hearing is scheduled for Aug. 17 and that the council will present justification for any proposed tax increases at that meeting.
