Tigard City Council and Town Center Development Agency Meeting - June 9, 2026

[The Tigard City Council and Town Center Development Agency (TCDA) met on June 9, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The meeting covered adoption of the FY2027 city budget and fees, certification for state shared revenue, and an update on council goals. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the FY2027 budget, particularly proposed reductions to the library budget and the non-renewal of a limited-duration social services coordinator position. The public provided extensive testimony in support of the library and the coordinator position. The council adopted the city budget (Resolution 26-22) by a majority vote, with one dissenting vote, and the TCDA budget (TCDA Resolution 26-01) by a majority vote, also with one dissenting vote.]

Public Comments & Testimony

• Gabriel Cruz (opening public comment): Criticized the variable time allotment for public comments, suggesting a fixed period to allow speakers to fully present their points. No specific agenda item.
• Gabriel Cruz (on budget): Expressed strong opposition to the budget assumptions, arguing that the community's priorities (as shown by the library levy Measure 34345 passing and Measure 34349 failing) support library funding. Urged council to reject the budget or amend it to restore library funding.
• Taylor Carver: Supported the library, noting the petition and stating that the police budget ($29 million) is disproportionate compared to library cuts ($1.9 million), and that residents want the library fully funded.
• Karen O'Connor: Argued the social services coordinator position was originally a two-year contract starting October 2024 and should not be cut early. Disputed claims that unhoused patrons are disruptive and said the position is crucial for connecting vulnerable people to resources.
• Jenny Stoffel (Vice Chair, Tigard Public Library Board): Noted over 1,500 residents signed a petition and that the community sees the library as essential. Urged council to listen to the community.
• Katie Soblek: Presented 1,524 signatures (1,014 from Tigard zip codes) collected in two weeks, asking council to maintain the social services coordinator position. Quoted her grandmother's principle of choosing the most generous option.
• Matthew D. Albertson: Urged council to evaluate the library budget as asset management and risk mitigation, citing a Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago study. Suggested using opioid settlement funds or intergovernmental agreements with Washington County HHS to fund the position.
• Bryn Peterson: Brought her seven-year-old son, emphasizing community engagement and the need to listen to the record number of public comments. Urged funding the social services position to avoid higher future costs of punishment.
• Roger Pottop (on TCDA budget): Criticized the city's focus on cuts rather than growth, arguing that the urban renewal district and tax increment financing are underutilized. Urged the city to remove blight and develop the city center.

Discussion Items

• City Manager Report: Acting City Manager Brian Rager announced free weddings offered by the municipal court in June and the summer reading program at the library. No questions.
• FY2027 Fees and Charges Schedule (Resolution 26-19): Finance Director Eric King presented the proposed schedule. Key increases: CPI-based 2.71% for parking permits, business licenses, and planning fees; Seattle construction cost index negative but floor of 0% used; water rates up 2% per adopted rate study; street maintenance fee floor of 2% (methodology unchanged); parks and recreation fee up 4.26%; clean water services rates up 2.7-6% per regional board; Washington County transportation development tax up 8.07%. Average residential utility bill increase $4.45/month. Business license fees up $3-$42/year. Council adopted unanimously.
• Certification for State Shared Revenue (Resolution 26-20): Staff presented that the city provides six of seven required services (police, streets, sewer, planning, water quality; fire by Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue). Budget committee held required hearing May 18, 2026. Council adopted unanimously.
• Election to Receive State Revenue Sharing (Resolution 26-21): Staff presented that the city elects to receive state shared revenue from cigarette, gas, and liquor taxes. Budget committee approved May 18, 2026. Council adopted unanimously.
• FY2027 Budget Adoption (Resolution 26-22): Extensive discussion. Acting City Manager Rager explained the $6 million general fund gap, leading to 10% reduction proposals and prioritization of police, parks, and library. Reductions included administrative positions, $1 million in materials/services, and non-renewal of limited-duration positions. Finance Director King clarified that the library budget reduction of $1.9 million included $1.5 million in administrative services (finance, HR, IT, city management) due to cost allocation methodology changes, leaving a direct library cut of approximately $400,000. He noted that the city continues to invest in library capital improvements ($4.4 million in current year). The Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) levy (Measure 34345) provided a 5% increase to Tigard—the lowest among member libraries—while other libraries received increases up to 170% under an equity-based model. The county's centralized collection initiative will reduce materials purchasing costs. Councilor Robbins spoke in favor of the budget, noting the difficulty but acknowledging the need to be realistic about one-time funds. Council President Wolf supported collaboration with nonprofits like Community Action for social services. Councilor Gaducey quoted that the library is a necessity. Councilor Halleck urged council to vote based on their beliefs and not just for peace, suggesting using temporary funds from other sources. Councilor Shaw supported working with nonprofits to fund the social services position long-term. The motion passed by a majority vote (one nay recorded).
• TCDA FY2027 Budget Adoption (TCDA Resolution 26-01): Finance Director King presented the TCDA budget with appropriations of $7,472,616. The budget committee approved without amendments on May 18, 2026. One public comment (Roger Pottop) criticized underutilization of urban renewal funds. Council adopted by majority vote (one nay recorded).
• Council Goals 2025-26 Update: Staff presented progress on four goals: housing, economic opportunities, community livability, and resilient facilities. Highlights:
  • Housing: Housing plan kicked off with DLCD grant; River Terrace 2.0 policy set; affordable homeownership program expanded to nine permanently affordable homes, with three more closing soon.
  • Homelessness: Safe parking program added two host sites, now three sites with nine spaces; 20 households served since September 2025, half exited to housing; time place manner ordinance updated; houseless advisory board being recruited.
  • Economic Development: Adopted first economic development strategic plan; established TLT committee; new business connect program.
  • Parks: Cook Park accessible dock, Woodward and Benito Park playgrounds, Steve Street Park construction beginning; recreation programs successful.
  • Transportation: Safe Streets Action Plan adopted; grant applications for 72nd Avenue and Safe Routes to School; street maintenance fee methodology revision ongoing.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Three citywide training workshops; CERT volunteer base expanded by 15; new emergency alert system (Everbridge) transitioning from Code Red.
  • Community Engagement: Police hosted 120 events, library 917 programs, recreation 60 events; city represented at over 300 events; new mural under 99W; Juneteenth, Fourth of July, and LT Gray events upcoming.
  • Facilities: 20-year facility system plan beginning; library roof and HVAC replaced; police and public works bond failed; staff will meet with council in July to discuss next steps.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 26-19 (Fees and Charges Schedule): Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 26-20 (Certification for State Shared Revenue): Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 26-21 (Election to Receive State Revenue Sharing): Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 26-22 (FY2027 City Budget, Appropriations, and Tax Levy): Adopted by majority vote (one nay). The budget includes a $6 million general fund gap reduction, with cuts to administrative positions, materials/services, and non-renewal of limited-duration library positions. The social services coordinator position at the library will not be extended. Library hours and permanent staffing for youth/adult services remain unchanged. The city will explore regional funding partnerships for social services.
• TCDA Resolution 26-01 (FY2027 TCDA Budget, Appropriations, and Tax Levy): Adopted by majority vote (one nay).
• Council Goals: Staff will continue implementation; next steps include housing plan analysis, safe parking program expansion, economic development work plan, park SDC methodology update, Safe Streets Action Plan implementation, emergency preparedness workshops, and facility planning discussions with council in July.