During a recent city council meeting, members discussed the upcoming city budget, which is set to be presented for approval. The council has faced challenges in making significant changes to the budget in recent years, with no alterations made to the proposed budget this year either.

One council member expressed concern over the reliance on borrowing to fund essential services such as police, fire, and road maintenance. They highlighted that despite ongoing discussions, the council has not succeeded in reducing the budget or the associated borrowing levels. This trend raises concerns about the city's financial health and its ability to fund future capital projects, including significant initiatives like rail movement and improvements on 8th Street.

The council member urged their colleagues to take a stand on the budget, emphasizing that if any part of the budget is objectionable, council members should vote against it rather than approving it for the sake of expediency. This call to action reflects a desire for a more accountable and transparent budgeting process that genuinely reflects the council's priorities and the needs of the community.