City outlines funding options; staff notes 0.125-cent sales tax could raise about $8.8M annually

Kate reviewed funding sources that could support Playbook OP implementation, including the general fund, capital improvement plan, special revenue and enterprise funds, grants and private contributions. She said staff sees two revenue strategies with the largest potential impact: a mill levy adjustment or a dedicated sales tax.

Staff provided an illustrative estimate that a 0.125-cent dedicated sales tax would generate approximately $8,800,000 annually. Kate also walked the committee through potential ballot timing: if the governing body pursues a special sales tax, staff would continue funding discussions through November with a possible election date of March 2, 2027.

Council members requested additional public-engagement materials and fine-grained fiscal estimates prior to bringing any ballot language forward. Kate said exact ballot language and funding scenarios will be developed and returned for review.