During a recent government meeting, a council member expressed deep concerns regarding the city's financial situation, emphasizing the urgent need for community input in budgetary decisions. The member criticized the council for not allowing residents to voice their opinions on funding, stating that the lack of community engagement has left the council with limited options to address critical infrastructure needs.

The council member highlighted the precarious state of the city’s finances, warning that withdrawing funds from the balance could jeopardize future budgets. They pointed out that the city currently lacks sufficient resources to maintain essential services, including police and public works, and stressed that the council must not deplete capital project funds for operational expenses.

The member also raised alarms about the city’s reliance on borrowed funds, noting that the city borrowed $2.6 million last year without any repayment due to insufficient revenue. They urged the council to consider proposing a tax increase to the public, arguing that without additional funding, the city risks further decline.

The council member concluded by calling for a more sustainable approach to governance, advocating for a long-term vision that includes community involvement in financial decisions. They reiterated the need for immediate action to prevent the city from deteriorating further, emphasizing that proper governance cannot rely on short-term fixes.