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City Council · September 21, 2026
Princeton Approves PID Assessment Step, Names New Alternate City Manager
Princeton City Council on September 21 held a public hearing on the proposed 2026-27 budget, approved an assessment ordinance for the Princeton 180 public improvement district, and changed the city’s alternate city manager role. Residents also used public comment to raise cybersecurity, public records delays, library staffing, and budget spending.
Budget Hearing Opened With No Final Vote
Staff presented a high-level look at the proposed budget and said no formal budget action would be taken that night. The proposal showed about $109.43 million in combined city revenues and $104.6 million in expenditures across all funds. Staff said council had given direction earlier in the evening and more information would be brought back at the next meeting, when budget and tax rate action was scheduled.
Tax Rate Plan Would Raise Bill On Median Home
Staff said the proposed tax rate included an operations rate of 0.2679 and a debt rate of 0.205. Based on the home value cited during the meeting, staff estimated a homeowner would pay about $26.53 more. Read More →
Residents Challenged Audit Spending And Mowing Costs
During the budget hearing and earlier public comment, speakers questioned the proposed $168,000 efficiency audit and urged shifting that money to library staffing and cybersecurity. Others also pushed for closer review of mowing contracts. One resident said mowing costs appeared too high, while staff later said outsourcing had saved the general fund more than a quarter-million dollars compared with past staffing levels.
Water And Sewer Rate Pause Heads Back Next Week
A resident asked whether the city would need to amend an existing ordinance to reflect a proposed pause in water and wastewater rate increases for fiscal 2027. Later in the meeting, a council member said that ordinance change would be presented on September 28.
Princeton 180 Assessment Ordinance Passed 5-1
Council approved Item J2, an ordinance levying assessments for Phase 1 of the Princeton 180 Public Improvement District, also referred to during the meeting as Serenity. Bond counsel said Phase 1 covers a little more than 59.5 acres and is projected for 213 homes. The vote was 5-1, with one member absent. Officials said no bonds were sold that night. | 
