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Staff proposes a FY2028 budget town hall as property tax reform adds complexity
Summary
Finance staff proposed slowing the FY2028 budget calendar to analyze Senate File 2472 (property tax reform) and recommended adding a budget 'town hall' to improve public understanding; councilmembers expressed support for an interactive session earlier in the process.
Leanne (finance staff) presented the proposed FY2028 budget calendar and recommended allowing additional time to analyze recently enacted property tax reform (Senate File 2472) before finalizing revenue projections and budget assumptions. She said staff had already begun meetings with state and financial experts and would present digestible analysis to council when available.
"Because this legislation will affect future revenue projections and budget planning assumptions," she said, staff proposed a slower start to council budget discussions to allow time for analysis and to consider adding an optional budget town hall to the schedule. Councilmembers backed the idea, saying a town-hall format could demystify technical terms and allow more back-and-forth with residents than formal public hearings provide.
Councilmember Paige (first identified in the meeting as Paige) said a public, interactive session would help residents understand how the levy and CIP work and could reduce repetitive, one‑off questions. Staff said they would bring a recommendation on timing and format in September and aim to present a 5‑year financial plan and tax‑impact scenarios in October if analysis is complete.
Council also discussed partnering with local schools and students to make budget materials more digestible and noted staffing changes in finance had driven part of the slower calendar; staff confirmed they would return in September with a proposed town-hall plan and updated calendar items.
