The Budget Committee Meeting held on May 14, 2025, by the City Council of Talent, Oregon, focused on the proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 budget and included a public hearing for community input. The meeting commenced with discussions on staffing and resource allocation for the city's emergency management, highlighting the challenges posed by limited staff time and the high costs of contracting services.

Following this, the committee opened a public hearing at 8:54 PM to gather community feedback on the budget proposal. Residents were encouraged to voice their opinions either in person or via Zoom. The first speaker, Susan Fizzo, raised concerns regarding the maintenance of Chuck Roberts Park and the adjacent golf course area. She emphasized the need for improved long-term planning and maintenance, citing inadequate upkeep and the potential dangers posed by falling trees.

Fizzo expressed her frustration with the current state of the parks, noting that previous efforts to maintain them had been insufficient. She called for a structured plan to ensure that maintenance issues are addressed consistently, particularly as the community grows. Fizzo's comments underscored the importance of having a dedicated maintenance strategy in place to prevent further deterioration of public spaces.

The committee acknowledged her concerns and noted that a portion of the budget would be allocated to parks maintenance, indicating a commitment to addressing these issues. The meeting concluded with a reminder for community members to continue providing feedback as the budget proposal is finalized. The council plans to review all input before making final decisions on the budget allocations.