Why is the City asking for this increase now?

Our current funding mechanisms are insufficient to maintain the existing quality of services with operational cost increases beyond the City’s Control, such as inflation.  While our departments have risen to meet the needs of our community by working smarter, creating efficiencies, prioritizing types, of services we can provide, and department downsizing, it has become increasingly difficult to provide services as expected, and a new funding solution is needed.  The referendum will help sustain and improve the quality of life her in the City for the next several years.