At a July 29 workshop, Finance Director Melanie Landis gave Ottawa city commissioners three general fund options for 2027: a flat 44.136 mills, 45.136 with one added mill, or the published maximum of 46.136, which she said current services and contracts would require.

Either lower rate would mean cuts, such as ending payments into the city's Capital Improvement and Sidewalk Fund or delaying upkeep on vehicles, equipment and buildings. Since 2023, general fund spending is up 28.6%.

The four commissioners present generally favored working toward 45.136 mills while protecting staffing and benefits. The city has said it plans to go above the revenue-neutral rate, the rate that would raise the same property tax revenue as this year. Public hearings are set for September 2.

For details, see KOFO's reports on the revenue-neutral decision and the budget workshop, and the minutes from the July 29 workshop.