Council discusses nuisance abatement fund, NRO balance and possible comprehensive-plan spending in 2026–27

Planning staff told council the department's base budget is largely flat and that, given current budget constraints, they are not proposing to fill an associate-planner vacancy for 2026. Staff described nuisance-abatement work as a growing priority and explained how that activity is funded.

Nuisance abatement: staff said the nuisance program is 100% supported by fines, violations and tax liens that the city places on properties after abatement work. Staff explained the revenue stream is unpredictable because collections depend on property owners paying taxes or the county proceeding to tax sale and redemption. Staff provided council a recent revenue snapshot and said the nuisance NRO had about $30,700 at the end of July and that another expected receipt of roughly $20,000 could arrive during the year; staff also reported specific recent receipts and expenditures from 2022 through 2025.

Comprehensive plan: planning staff said an updated comprehensive or strategic plan could cost roughly $125,000, depending on the level of public engagement, consultants and survey work. Staff proposed setting aside $60,000 in one year and $60,000 in the next as one option, and said the timing might push some work into 2027.

Other planning items: staff said a recently added nuisance officer has produced measurable neighborhood improvements. Staff also reviewed NRO uses for planning (inspections, training, MS4/stormwater compliance) and noted continuing-education requirements (CEUs) for certified planners and inspectors drive some expenses paid from NROs.