Summary
The 2027 budget is about $16 million below last year's, with three grant-funded firefighter positions sunset per plan. Council Member Swank pressed for answers on where the voter-approved $2.1 million income tax increase is going; the mayor and auditor pointed to the medical fund (roughly $1 million more), streets, transit and capital, plus building a carryover reserve.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 3
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Nov 2, 2026.
Impact analysis
2027 expense budget is $16 million lower than 2026, with about $1.4 million of the new income tax revenue reaching the general fund.
All residents benefit from maintained services, though taxpayers asked for specifics on how their new tax dollars are spent.
Advocates for street repair and full staffing argue infrastructure and positions may remain underfunded.
Mentions & discussions (2)
City Council - Nov 2, 2026
The 2027 budget is about $16 million below last year's, with three grant-funded firefighter positions sunset per plan. Council Member Swank pressed for answers on where the voter-approved $2.1 million income tax increase is going; the mayor and auditor pointed to the medical fund (roughly $1 million more), streets, transit and capital, plus building a carryover reserve.
City Council - Oct 26, 2026
The proposed 2027 budget is about $6.7 million below last year's after medical-fund adjustments, with the city holding the line on spending ahead of new income tax revenue. Big items: police personnel costs up, fire down after a FEMA grant ended, roof and water tower repairs, and a new department-by-department medical fund contribution plan.
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