Council rejects last-minute amendments to avert tax increase, debate centers on cuts vs. revenues

During debate on the FY27 budget, councilmembers proposed several alternative paths intended to avoid a property tax increase.

Councilmember White proposed an across-the-board reduction approach and a specific amendment to fund 10 additional "safe officers" via fee adjustments and program reductions; the amendment and a subsequent motion to continue the item for more modeling both failed. Councilmember Spears later offered an amendment to shift district office positions to fund two officers for the North Substation; after staff and the police chief clarified operational deployment and fiscal mechanics the amendment was withdrawn.

Councilmembers and staff repeatedly returned to two competing frames: some members argued immediate revenue would preserve services and protect vulnerable residents, while others said the council had not exhausted potential cuts and that asking residents to pay during an affordability crisis was premature. A motion to continue the votes to allow staff to model a 1.6% or 2% across-the-board scenario failed; the council proceeded to adopt the manager's package and related ordinances.