Overview

• City budget officials estimate a $16 million shortfall, with about $12 million tied to business license tax receipts coming in roughly 6% below forecast at $196 million versus $208 million.
• City Administrator Michael Jordan ordered a hiring freeze starting Oct. 1 that exempts frontline police, fire and 911 roles, with an exception process required for other positions.
• Roughly 660 vacancies are affected and the pause is expected to save nearly $6 million in the general fund and up to $20 million in other funds through June 30, 2026, with limits on overtime and reclassifications also planned.
• The fall budget process is set to begin with a finance committee meeting on Oct. 20, followed by a council work session on Oct. 22 and a vote on adjustments scheduled for Nov. 5.
• Economist Peter Hulseman said weaker receipts may reflect reduced estimated payments possibly related to U.S. tariff uncertainty, and city updates also cite unusually low year-end underspending and a large legal settlement.