New Councilor Fleisher leaning toward supporting real estate tax hike

March 20, 2026 - 18:12

In her first significant fiscal policy stance, the city's newest councilor has signaled a preference for a small increase in the real estate tax rate rather than pulling funds from municipal reserves. The proposed adjustment would raise the rate by two cents.

The councilor emphasized that while using the city's surplus is tempting, it is not a sustainable long-term strategy for addressing ongoing budgetary needs. She framed the modest tax hike as a more responsible approach to ensuring stable funding for essential public services, infrastructure, and community programs without jeopardizing the city's financial safety net.

This position sets the stage for upcoming budget debates, where balancing taxpayer burden with municipal obligations will be a central theme. The councilor acknowledged the sensitivity of any tax increase but stressed the importance of making prudent, forward-looking decisions for the city's fiscal health. Her perspective adds a new voice to the discussion as the council deliberates on the final budget, with many departments requesting additional funding to maintain service levels amid rising costs. The proposed two-cent increase will now undergo thorough scrutiny from both her colleagues and the public.