Council restores part‑time library positions and approves first readings after vote on amendments

During consideration of amendments to the proposed budget, council approved $60,000 to fund two part‑time library positions that staff had previously proposed to freeze. Finance staff showed how the amendment and the $400,000 police vehicle allocation affected the estimated ending fund balance and required reserves; after the votes, staff reported a projected cushion above the reserve requirement that would be updated for the council's Sept. 15 meeting.

With amendments agreed, council moved the ordinance to adopt the budget and the property‑tax ordinance on first reading. The city attorney and finance staff noted statutory language requirements and the availability of supporting tables and median/average house examples on the city's website. Second readings and the final public hearing are scheduled for Sept. 15.