Stantec models show long‑term general‑fund pressure; commissioners told roads likely need bonding or cuts

Stantec presented four long‑range scenarios for the general fund, including the effect of a proposed property‑tax change (presented as an amendment scenario) and full funding of the capital improvement program (CIP). Staff showed that, under scenarios that fully fund the CIP each year, the general fund would trend toward a multi‑million dollar shortfall within the 10‑year horizon unless the city reduces expenditures or borrows to fund roads and other capital needs.

Commissioners discussed the political and financial tradeoffs: cutting services, pursuing bond measures (noting higher interest‑rate conditions and the need for voter support), or pursuing targeted economic development and infill strategies to broaden the tax base. Commissioners asked staff to run additional scenarios that combine targeted cuts, bonding plans and alternative CIP timing to present a clearer list of policy tradeoffs in time for budget adoption.