Commercial development
Business growth and productive commercial corridors can help broaden the tax base.
Starting point
The FY2026 General Fund baseline is $205.1M.
Before the city funds a new idea, it has to account for known obligations: debt service, pensions, retiree health costs, labor contracts, healthcare, utilities, insurance, maintenance, and inflation.
Community Commitments
Schools, public safety, debt, pension, and retiree health total $187.0M.
That leaves $18.1M, or 8.80%, before other municipal functions are counted.
| Commitment | FY2026 Amount | Cumulative | Cumulative Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Department | $103.5M | $103.5M | 50.47% |
| Public Safety | $48.8M | $152.3M | 74.25% |
| Debt Service | $17.8M | $170.1M | 82.93% |
| Police & Fire Pension | $13.1M | $183.2M | 89.31% |
| OPEB / Retiree Health | $3.9M | $187.0M | 91.20% |
Future capacity
Property Tax can only be part of the answer.
A healthy city diversifies its revenue sources.
Redevelopment
Underused and contaminated properties can return to productive use with careful planning.
Responsible housing growth
Housing decisions should be connected to tax base, infrastructure, schools, and neighborhood impacts.
Solar and energy savings
Comprehensive Plan note on LED streetlight savings of just over $500,000.
Grants
Outside funding can help with infrastructure, public safety, energy, resilience, and facilities.
Operational improvements
Better systems, maintenance planning, procurement, and technology can reduce long-term pressure.