Referendum scope and public safety fee
Summary
After the parks/library/museum levy failed, the city is moving to a flat fee. On a $400,000 home the levy would have cost $638 a year versus $236 for the fee, and the fee applies to all addresses while the levy only hit property owners. Board members worry the museum could close if the fee doesn't pass.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 20, 2026.
Impact analysis
The difference is over $400 a year on a $400,000 home: $638 under the failed levy versus $236 under the proposed fee.
All city households pay the lower, more broadly spread fee rather than a property-owner-only levy.
Renters and non-property owners who previously paid nothing toward these services now pay the fee.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Parks Board - Aug 20, 2026
The referendum covers only the community services and parks fee — public safety funding is not affected. Members discussed whether the council could theoretically raise the public safety fee, which has previously fluctuated from $20 down to $10.
Library Board - Jun 22, 2026
The library's budget leans on a new city utility fee that hasn't been approved by City Council yet, and a group of residents is trying to force it onto the November ballot via referendum. If it goes to a vote, the city can't collect the fee in the meantime — and if it's voted down, library leaders say the library would have to close.
Museum Advisory Board - Jun 10, 2026
After the parks/library/museum levy failed, the city is moving to a flat fee. On a $400,000 home the levy would have cost $638 a year versus $236 for the fee, and the fee applies to all addresses while the levy only hit property owners. Board members worry the museum could close if the fee doesn't pass.
Library Board - May 18, 2026
The library's budget — funded largely by a new community service fee — passed the Budget Committee and needs City Council approval on June 9. If it passes, a lost full-time staff position comes back and broken RFID security gates get replaced. Without the fee, roughly two-thirds of the library budget disappears.
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