Residents urge pause on discretionary projects and call for action on aging water plant

During the public‑comment period residents repeatedly asked the commission to put potable water, a long‑deferred water‑treatment project and basic public‑health fixes ahead of discretionary spending.

‘‘Our water system needs a new treatment plant at an estimated cost of $50,000,000. These are public health issues. These are public safety issues,’’ Carol Mendelson told the commission. She challenged items on the coming budget and asked the commission to consider a temporary moratorium on non‑essential capital projects until the city adopts a fully funded plan for highest priorities.

Mark Ogan and others echoed that sentiment, noting widespread concern about recent water‑quality messaging and urging the city to make water safety the central budget priority. Several speakers linked their calls for prioritization to the fall ballot measure on property‑tax exemptions, saying the city needs more clarity on revenues before new discretionary commitments are made.

The mayor and city manager responded that some funds have been set aside previously and that staff has a task force working on fiscal strategies if Amendment 3 imposes revenue reductions; city staff later provided more detailed budget items during the agenda.

Why this matters: Multiple speakers tied daily life and public health to investment in infrastructure rather than events. Commissioners said they had heard the message and flagged the water‑supply work plan and other budget items for follow‑up.