The Corvallis City Council convened on October 21, 2024, to discuss various topics impacting the community, including updates on city services, legislative priorities, and public engagement strategies.

The meeting began with Councilor Schaeffer sharing insights from a recent Local Leaders Conference (LLC) he attended. He highlighted the introduction of new electric trash trucks, which he described as impressive and worth further consideration. Schaeffer emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication on social media, advising against blocking individuals from city accounts, as it could hinder public engagement.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on legislative priorities for the upcoming session. Schaeffer noted that recreational immunity, a key issue, is expected to be contentious. He urged council members to proactively engage with legislators, as there are no guarantees of support for this initiative. This topic was identified as one of the top four priorities for the legislative committee.

Additionally, Schaeffer reported on a session regarding property taxes, revealing a lack of public support for raising taxes or modifying existing measures. He mentioned that while there is some support for adjusting property tax assessments for new properties, any efforts to change the property tax system would face considerable challenges.

The council also addressed the upcoming leaf collection program, which will feature an extended collection period through mid-December and four designated drop-off sites for unbagged leaves across the city. This change aims to accommodate residents as seasonal leaves fall.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to enhancing community services and preparing for legislative challenges ahead. The council plans to continue discussions on these topics in future meetings, ensuring that public interests remain a priority.