City Council Work Session
Short update on the work session tonight, Monday 25th.
- I think its’ the public comment period for the 2025 budget. Seems weird to have it at a work session and not a meeting, but I’m pretty sure it’s speak tomorrow or forever hold your peace.
- The budget is all high-level account values in an often broken Excel file. It really isn’t presented in a way where anyone, including council members, could ask any insightful questions.
- City Manager replacement budget is $70k. About $20k for search firm. Some will be overlap salary and relocation. I wouldn’t think this whole budget will get used unless a signing bonus is necessary.
- $115k in special assessments for street and sidewalk construction. I presume this is for lead laterals.
- Building permit revenue is expected to go up 26%. Certainly some for Violet Inn, but not sure what else.
- Interest on investments project to increase 43%. That’s curious.
- Closed session discussion about a TID grant for the apartment complex developers at the old Hansen Florist greenhouse at 3000 Forest Ave.
- This would be pay-go like all the new TIDs, so it would be a future tax break for probably 10-20 years.
- My favorite one, “Consider Council President’s Proposal for City Council Listening Sessions.”
- We may get a town hall going. I’m hoping for maybe 20 minute presentation and 40 minute open dialogue with residents.
- If everyone turns out for this, it will be a massive shift in how the city leaders listen to the community, and we’ll see more town halls after that. If only a few people attend, then things will stay how they’ve always been.
Budget Info
Comments from Budget File
I’ve compiled all the comments that you can find in the budget file for each TIF and fund. They’re pretty long, but there’s a table of contents and they’re searchable. Budget comments.