Council adopts final 2026-27 budget and property tax increase 7-0 after truth-in-taxation hearing
August 11, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
At a limited formal meeting, the council unanimously adopted the final tax levy and the final fiscal 2026-27 budget, including a property tax rate above the certified rate. Four residents opposed the increase, citing affordability, utility costs and police funding.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
In brief
1 item came up for a decision or discussion: 1 approved.
This write-up links 3 source documents and the meeting video.
8 members were present.
Residents raised property tax increase, water rates, police funding, and housing affordability.
The previous City Council meeting was on July 21, 2026: Council briefed on license plate reader rules, water-use cap and Northwest Community Plan; capital list reviewed
The next one was on August 18, 2026: Council hears five public hearings, defers all decisions, and approves two liquor proximity and mobile business actions
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Truth-in-taxation levy and final fiscal year 2026-27 budget | Approved · 7-0 |
Agenda, item by item
Item B1-B2 · Budget
Truth-in-taxation levy and final fiscal year 2026-27 budget
Approved · 7-0
After a hearing held as one for both items, the council adopted Ordinance 44 of 2026 setting the final property tax rate for all city funds, including the Library Fund, and Ordinance 45 of 2026 adopting the final fiscal 2026-27 budget, including the property tax increase in the impact schedule. The final budget releases the increase's revenue from the restricted fund created at interim adoption. Four residents spoke against the increase, citing housing and utility costs, the size of the increase and the judgment levy, unclear information for taxpayers, and police funding. Council Member Wharton acknowledged affordability concerns; Council Member Puy cited rising operating costs, resident expectations for services and the department cuts already made. Dollar totals were not restated in the minutes.
- BudgetAmount not given
What residents said
Property tax increaseWater ratesPolice fundingHousing affordability
Four residents spoke against the property tax increase, raising rising property taxes and water bills, housing costs for owners and renters, the size of the increase and the judgment levy, lack of clear information for taxpayers, and police funding.