During a recent government meeting in Brisbane Borough, resident Laura Zimmerman raised significant concerns regarding the impact of increased taxes on older fishing vessels. She noted that the estimated borough tax value for these vessels nearly doubled over the past year, which she attributed to a cap on newer boats. Zimmerman warned that if the borough continues to target fishermen for tax increases, it could drive them to relocate their boats elsewhere, negatively affecting local businesses reliant on the fishing industry.

Zimmerman emphasized that the fishing sector is vital to the borough's economy, as each boat typically employs three crew members who contribute to local businesses during the fishing season. She urged the borough to consider the broader economic implications of its tax policies, especially as residents are already struggling financially.

Additionally, Zimmerman called for improved services for fishermen, arguing that the borough should invest in support systems to ensure boats can remain operational, thereby maximizing revenue for the borough. She also raised ethical concerns regarding a recent NACNIC letter, suggesting that legality does not equate to morality.

In her closing remarks, Zimmerman recommended a comprehensive review of borough salaries and budgets over the past decade to identify potential financial issues. She expressed skepticism about the borough's ability to secure grants without current audits, highlighting the need for fiscal accountability.

The meeting also included a motion to introduce ordinance 2024-04, which was set for a public hearing and second reading on October 7, 2024. However, there was a lack of public input regarding the ordinance, as no additional comments were made during the discussion. The assembly members proceeded without opposition, indicating a smooth transition to the next agenda items.