Council votes 5–2 to advertise voter‑approval tax rate, sets Sept. 28 public hearing

The council considered motions on how to advertise the city's proposed 2026 tax rate and when to hold the required public hearing. Mayor Lares moved to advertise the no‑new‑revenue rate (0.258007) but the motion failed 4–3. Councilmember Lewis later moved to advertise the voter‑approval rate (26.27¢) and schedule a special budget meeting/public hearing on Sept. 28 at 6 p.m.; that motion passed 5–2 with the mayor and one other member dissenting.

Council members split on strategy: some argued advertising the higher VAR preserves the ability to raise revenue for market adjustments and staffing if needed, while others favored the no‑new‑revenue approach to keep taxes flat. The vote does not adopt a final tax rate; it sets the maximum advertised rate for public notice and triggers the public‑hearing process required by state law.