Let’s talk numbers. One of the first things I did when I started on council in December 2024 was go through every line of the 2025 budget.  I have met with the finance director and city manager five times in the past 10 months to better understand the budget and mill levies.  The city takes 16.5 mills from property taxes.  4.5 mills is for law enforcement and public safety. 12 mills funds city-managed amenities, improvements, operations, and maintenance (e.g., park upkeep, tr

On this week’s consent agenda (10-14-25)  is Resolution 25-44 to approve a PSA between the city and Ayres Associates. I got to be a part of interviewing five companies that were selected out of 17 as potential firms to work on development of an Economic Development Strategic Plan for the City. One company rose to the top. Why? They did their research. They understood the city’s unique challenges and opportunities.  They had also previously worked with our community developmen