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Residents voice affordability concerns as council adopts tax increase
Summary
Multiple residents testified at the public hearing: some opposed the tax increase citing affordability and senior hardship, others supported funding for firefighters and police but asked for accountability on how new staff will deliver benefits.
Several residents spoke during the public hearing, offering a mix of opposition and conditional support for the proposed property-tax increase.
A commenter identifying as Gutenbier opposed the increase in strong terms, saying government overreaches and expressing frustration at perceived misuses of tax revenue. Judy Burhamba, a 75-year resident, said rising taxes on multiple properties create a risk of losing her home and urged relief for seniors. Mike Markham questioned recent city purchases of three properties and asked whether the city can better manage or sell assets to generate revenue instead of raising taxes.
Other residents, like Jim Visock and Ryan Mahoney, said they supported hiring additional firefighters and police to maintain service levels but asked the council to report back with measures showing a return on investment for new positions.
