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Grand Forks City Council Approves Preliminary 2027 Budget Draft with Salary and Health Cost Increases

Grand Forks City Council Approves Preliminary 2027 Budget Draft with Salary and Health Cost Increases

The Grand Forks City Council has unanimously approved the preliminary draft for its 2027 budget, totaling $249.1 million. This draft includes a 5.05 percent salary plan increase for city employees and a 15 percent increase in health insurance costs. Mill levies are set at 91.84. Notably, Community Service Grant funds, which previously provided $159,135 to local nonprofits for services like emergency shelters in the 2026 budget, are not included in this initial 2027 draft. Mayor Brandon Bochenski indicated that these funds could be added later, potentially through reallocation of existing funds. Some council members suggested reallocating funds from the beautification budget, which might involve removing two positions from other city departments or utilizing funds designated for the Job Development Authority.

Roswell City Council Considers 56% Millage Rate Increase Amidst Resident Opposition

Roswell City Council Considers 56% Millage Rate Increase Amidst Resident Opposition

The City of Roswell, Georgia, is currently debating a proposed 56% increase in its millage rate, which would elevate the average city property tax bill to approximately $1,700. This marks the first proposed tax increase in Roswell in about a decade. City leaders assert that the substantial increase is essential to cover daily operational services and to fulfill repayment obligations for a bond program that voters approved four years prior. During a recent City Council meeting, numerous residents voiced strong opposition to the proposal, expressing concerns that such a significant hike would disproportionately burden the city's low-income and elderly populations. Roswell Finance Director Adam Novotney provided an example, stating that a homeowner with a property valued at $575,000 (assessed at $230,000) would pay around $1,778 under the new rate. Residents also questioned whether the city had thoroughly explored alternative financial solutions or spending reductions before proposing the tax increase.

Stockton Record

Paige proposed as Stockton's interim city clerk after Roland resigns

Paige proposed as Stockton's interim city clerk after Roland resigns

The Stockton City Council will consider appointing Bonnie Paige as interim city clerk after Katherine Roland announced her resignation.

City of Idaho Falls Establishes New Finance Department, Appoints Director

City of Idaho Falls Establishes New Finance Department, Appoints Director

The City of Idaho Falls has officially created a new finance department, a move approved by the City Council last week. Concurrently, Mark Hagedorn has been appointed as the director and treasurer of this newly formed department. This development was announced via a city news release. Previously, finance functions were managed under municipal services, a broad department encompassing various responsibilities from IT to city property management. The establishment of a dedicated finance department aims to streamline financial operations and enhance strategic planning. Mr. Hagedorn, who has been with the City of Idaho Falls since 2012, brings extensive experience to this role, having served as city treasurer and finance manager in the Municipal Services Department since 2022, and as City Controller from 2016 to 2022. His background also includes a period as the city’s lead accountant and a senior auditor for a public accounting firm in Arizona. Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw expressed confidence in Hagedorn's capabili...

Cincinnati Enquirer

Fairfield mayor resigns, says he's looking forward to 'happy hour'

Fairfield mayor resigns, says he's looking forward to 'happy hour'

Steve Miller resigned as Fairfield mayor about halfway through the city council's meeting Sept. 14.

Cumberland County Commissioners Order Closure of Crown Theatre and Arena Due to Major Structural Issues

Cumberland County Commissioners Order Closure of Crown Theatre and Arena Due to Major Structural Issues

Cumberland County commissioners have voted to close the Crown Theatre and Crown Arena to the public following an assessment that revealed significant structural and building issues. This decision was made after a closed-session discussion on September 10, with County Manager Clarence Grier tasked with implementing the closure. The assessment indicated that the planned modernization project, initially budgeted at $80 million to $100 million, could face substantial cost increases due to the extent of the problems. The project team presented three options to the commissioners: proceed with a new, higher budget, replace the facilities entirely, or cancel the project. The facilities, built in 1967, require major reconstruction, including the theatre's exterior walls, stage support, and balcony, as well as the arena's concrete slab and roof structure.

Eugene Residents Urge City Council to Consider Moratorium on Data Center Development

Eugene Residents Urge City Council to Consider Moratorium on Data Center Development

Residents in Eugene, Oregon, are advocating for the City Council to implement a moratorium on the development of new data centers. This push comes amidst growing concerns regarding the environmental impact of these facilities, particularly their high consumption of energy and water, noise pollution, and the limited number of jobs they create. The issue was a significant topic during a recent City Council meeting, where 72 individuals provided public comments despite it not being a scheduled agenda item. The City of Eugene recently prevented a data center from being established at the former Hynix site, citing local land regulation rules. The Eugene City Council has scheduled a work session for December 14 to further discuss potential regulations for data centers.

Covington Commissioner James Toebbe Withdraws from City Council Race

Covington Commissioner James Toebbe Withdraws from City Council Race

Covington Commissioner James Toebbe has announced his withdrawal from the race for the city's new six-member council. Toebbe is the third candidate to withdraw from the election, following Tyesha Gordon and Tom Hull. His departure leaves only two incumbents, Tim Downing and Tim Acri, remaining in the running for a seat on the council. Toebbe stated that the decision was not easy but felt it was the right one for him and his family. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve his hometown as an elected official. Covington is transitioning from its current city manager form of government to a new mayor-council form of government at the end of the year. Under the new structure, the mayor will have more executive power, and the primary duty of council members will be setting the city budget.

The Columbus Dispatch

Hilliard City Council votes to pause Flock camera program

Hilliard City Council votes to pause Flock camera program

Hilliard City Council voted Sept. 14 to direct the city manager to pause the city's Flock camera program.

Cincinnati Enquirer

SW Ohio city abruptly withdraws petition for Amazon data center

SW Ohio city abruptly withdraws petition for Amazon data center

Trenton wanted to annex about 600 acres in neighboring Madison and St. Clair townships for the 18-building data center.

Cincinnati Enquirer

Ohio county could pave way for data center after townships said no

Ohio county could pave way for data center after townships said no

The Butler County Board of Commissioners will weigh whether to allow the annexation during a meeting Sept. 15.

Arkansas State University and Local Company Partner to Launch Protein Bar for Student Aid

Arkansas State University and Local Company Partner to Launch Protein Bar for Student Aid

Arkansas State University (A-State) has announced a collaboration with a local Jonesboro company to produce a new protein snack. The primary objective of this partnership is to generate benefits for students in need. This initiative aims to provide support to students facing financial or other challenges, leveraging a commercial product to create a positive social impact within the university community. The specific details regarding the protein bar's distribution, the local company involved, and the exact mechanisms for how the proceeds will benefit students were not fully detailed in the initial announcement, but the core purpose is clearly defined as student aid.