State Auditor Rob Sand says this year’s legislature should repeal a 2023 law that restricts auditors in his office from accessing certain state-held information and prevents him from going to court to try to force the release of public records. But Sand, a Democrat who’s running for governor, acknowledges it is unlikely the Republican-led legislature will do that – or enact his other priorities. Sand has long sought to require prison time for public officials convicted of stealing 10-thousand dollars or more in tax money. He says some Republicans have previously asked him not to raise the issue publicly, giving the proposal a better chance of advancing with majority Republican support.
City Manager Ron Dunt also provided a high-level overview of fiscal year 2027 budget considerations. He noted that property tax reform remains a top priority during the upcoming state legislative session and encouraged the council to keep that in mind as the budget process moves forward.
