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Residents urge council to probe local news changes, rising utility costs and offer tax-payment help
Summary
During public comment, residents said changes at WCSS and rising utility and cable rates are harming local information access and household budgets; another resident sought a payment plan for overdue taxes and staff arranged a follow-up meeting.
Multiple residents spoke during the public-participation portion of the April 21 meeting, raising concerns about local media changes, utility and cable rates, and difficulties paying property taxes.
John R. Chet (1218 Austin Street) told the council, "We don't get local news anymore," and urged the city to look into changes at broadcaster WCSS and rising electric and cable rates that he said are burdening residents. He also called attention to a reported 65% school-graduation rate and encouraged review of local education outcomes.
Later, a resident identified as Pearl (Earl) Hopkins described difficulty managing retirement tax payments and asked for a catch-up payment plan; city staff arranged a meeting with treasury/controller and offered an afternoon appointment to discuss options. Council and staff responded with offers to meet and assist with payment plans.
