2026 - Budget Committee Meeting #3

The City of Tigard Budget Committee convened on May 19, 2026, to review and approve the fiscal year 2027 budget, including the Town Center Development Agency (TCDA) budget. A significant portion of the meeting focused on public testimony regarding proposed cuts to the Tigard Public Library, particularly the elimination of the social services coordinator position and reductions in librarian staffing. Committee members debated amendments aimed at restoring library funding and addressing projected shortfalls in the parks utility fund. The committee approved an amendment to appropriate $36,000 from the parks fund to restore library staffing and allocated $2.2 million to the parks utility fund, with $500,000 retained in the general fund as a reserve. Discussions also covered public works capital improvement projects, funding sources including utility funds, system development charges, and tax increment financing districts. The committee unanimously approved state revenue sharing funds and the property tax levy. The fiscal year 2027 City of Tigard budget was adopted with a 9-5 vote, and the TCDA budget was approved 11-3. Several members expressed concerns about long-term funding strategies, the use of one-time funds for operations, and the need for future policy discussions on system development charges and interfund transfers.