Council OKs first-penny sales-tax language to allow property-tax relief

The council considered a red-lined amendment to the first-penny sales-tax ordinance that would permit using some of that revenue for property-tax relief in 2027. Finance staff explained a formatting issue in the draft and confirmed the language gives flexibility to use unallocated 2026 funds for administrative costs, freeing all 2027 collections for the newly authorized purposes.

The amendment includes a minimum floor ($882,595) for certain economic-development appropriations tied to MACEDC and similar activities; staff said that floor is based on the current budget proposal and provides a floor rather than a cap. Councilors discussed whether a fixed sum or a percentage was preferable; staff said the figure is based on the current budget and preserves future flexibility. The motion to approve the language passed unanimously.