Budget

Stated that the city prosecutor's contract rate is a bargain for the city given his high quality of work.

Expressed disappointment over staff rebuttal materials and encouraged the council to consider broader public priorities regarding spending.

Expressed appreciation for the budget committee process and the diverse perspectives shared among members.

Expressed frustration that subcommittee recommendations are ignored by the council and raised concerns about future capital costs for the aquatic center.

Argued against repeated tax increases and questioned the necessity of city-funded extras like the aquatic center, amphitheater, and recreation programs.

Congratulated the parks department on their award and questioned whether the city receives revenue from paid yoga classes held at Barker Park.

Thanked the council and residents for the discussion and asked about the spelling of 'amphitheater'.

A 75-year resident thanked the council for their service and advised them to treat the city budget like a family budget, living within their means.

Alan Christensen commended the council and staff for their work on the budget, encouraged fiscal restraint, and shared insights from his past experience serving on the city council.

Expressed concern about the impact of property tax increases on seniors and low-income residents.

Encouraged the council to review the budget line-by-line and suggested a 'blue can' program to help seniors save on waste fees.

Asked for clarification on how the 5% increase will be calculated once the certified tax rate is released.

Questioned if the new police position is still necessary if other resources are being reallocated.

Encouraged council members to vote their conscience and not feel pressured to support the tax increase.

Phil Swanson commented on the difficulties created by state legislative changes requiring tax increases to be proposed before certified tax rates are known from the county.

Mark Bennett asked whether a new community service officer position is still necessary if a school resource officer returns to patrol duties.

John Arrington thanked the council for their service, shared his positive educational experience serving on the budget committee, and noted that the proposed tax increase represents a small monthly impact.

Kevin Burns encouraged the council to educate the public on property tax allocations and suggested exploring new law enforcement technologies like artificial intelligence and automated reporting.

Kevin Christensen encouraged elected officials to vote their conscience and do what they believe is best for residents despite difficult or unpopular decisions.

Susan Kilborn thanked the mayor, council, staff, and residents for their participation and discussion during the budget hearing.

Brenda Ashdown questioned the purpose of public comments if questions submitted during hearings are not immediately answered by officials.

Questioned the high cost of police wage increases and suggested the city look for internal savings like other local governments have done.

Amy questioned police wage increases, asked if cost-saving measures like staff reductions had been considered instead of raising taxes, and expressed concern over court fee collections.

Kathy Gardner raised concerns about the financial strain of rising property taxes on senior citizens and fixed-income residents, noting that wages have not kept pace with overall inflation.

A resident asked for clarification on how the budget increases are being funded and if they would lead to tax or fee hikes.

Asked for clarification on why the state denied the tax increase.

Expressed frustration over the state's denial of the property tax increase.

Suggested that any property tax increase should be strictly earmarked for roads and questioned the size of proposed staff pay raises.

Brian raised concerns about past tax increases and whether new hires were actually for the purposes promised by the council.

A returning committee member asked for a copy of last year's final report to help guide this year's work.

A new member expressed interest in being involved in the conversations and asked about the meeting schedule.