In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the potential implications of an upcoming referendum on the city’s budget, emphasizing the need for clarity on what would happen if the referendum fails. The discussions highlighted the urgency of preparing for significant budget cuts, with estimates suggesting a potential shortfall of at least $105,000 in the first year, escalating to $280,000 in the second year, and potentially reaching $685,000 by the third year.

City officials acknowledged that if the referendum does not pass, they would need to explore various cost-saving measures, including holding open positions across departments to achieve savings. However, the exact impact on service levels remains uncertain, as officials are still evaluating how specific cuts would affect community services.

One official expressed concern over the lack of a clear plan for balancing the budget in the event of a referendum failure, stating that while there are concepts in place, a detailed strategy is still being developed. The operational budgets for 2025 have recently been completed, and officials are currently assessing the fiscal impacts of potential cuts.

The meeting also touched on the broader context of budget management, with officials noting that neighboring jurisdictions are taking more drastic measures, which could complicate the city's approach. The city aims to avoid a \"scorched earth\" strategy, instead focusing on realistic evaluations of necessary cuts while considering community priorities.

As the referendum date approaches, city officials are committed to providing more detailed information to the community about potential budgetary impacts and the prioritization of staff and services, should the referendum fail. The outcome of the referendum will significantly shape the city’s financial landscape and its ability to maintain essential services.