#CommunityTransparency
LightNews LightNews
citizenptnewsmo.bsky.social
St. Charles County's proposed 2026 budget aims for a solid 10% reserve, but a recent Supreme Court ruling could snatch away $2 million in marijuana tax revenue!

Click to read more!

#CharlesCounty #MO #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #CommunityTransparency #FiscalResponsibility
St. Charles County presents 2026 budget, flags lost marijuana sales tax and keeps 10% reserve goal
County finance staff presented a 2026 budget that maintains a 10% general fund reserve while warning a state Supreme Court ruling will eliminate adult-use marijuana sales tax revenue (~$2 million/year) and could create a $3.6 million refund liability; council members pressed for roll‑over and reserve dollar amounts.
citizenportal.ai
November 12, 2025 at 5:29 PM
citizenptnewsin.bsky.social
Kokomo's council just approved a $50 million bond for crucial sewer upgrades, but residents are raising concerns about transparency and potential rate hikes!

Get the details!

#KokomoCityHowardCounty #IN #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalCompliance #KokomoSewage #CommunityTransparency
Kokomo council authorizes bond cap up to $50 million for final sewer upgrades; rate increase set for Nov. 24 hearing
The Kokomo Common Council approved Ordinance 72-20 on first reading to authorize sewage-works revenue bonds in an amount not to exceed $50 million to complete the final phase of combined-sewer-overflow work and scheduled a public hearing Nov. 24 on Ordinance 72-21, a proposed sewage rate increase that would raise the average bill roughly $6 per 3,0
citizenportal.ai
November 12, 2025 at 5:07 PM
citizenptnewswi.bsky.social
The Manitowoc School District Board has hit pause on a crucial $500,000 loan for the Lincoln baseball complex, raising questions about funding transparency and future fundraising efforts.

Get the details!

#WI #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability #CommunityTransparency
Board tables request for up to $500,000 loan to finish Lincoln baseball complex amid fundraising and Fund 46 questions
The board voted to table a facilities committee motion to loan up to $500,000 from Fund 46 to pay contractors completing the Lincoln baseball complex, after members pressed for documentation on donor pledges, Fund 46 rules and a repayment plan. Fundraisers said they lready raised $1,292,650 and expect additional receipts, but the board asked theac
citizenportal.ai
November 12, 2025 at 2:45 PM
citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social
Duluth Public Schools are making significant strides on the 1st Street building with a $9,000,080 bond proposal and exciting construction updates!

Get the details

#MN #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #ConstructionUpdate #CommunityTransparency #DuluthSchools
Duluth schools outline 1st Street building construction, introduce $9,000,080 bond and property sale
District staff provided a monthly construction update for the 1st Street building, said the district will seek signatures on state-required bond documents for a $9,000,080 repair bond, and disclosed a signed purchase agreement for the sale of a 5-acre Pioneer Lane property.
citizenportal.ai
November 12, 2025 at 3:16 AM
citizenptnewsoh.bsky.social
Bellbrook City Council has taken a significant step by approving the reinterment of remains from the historic Feedwire Farm site, but community concerns about transparency and oversight linger.

Get the details!

#OH #CitizenPortal #PublicEngagement #CommunityTransparency #CulturalHeritage
Bellbrook council approves agreement to accept reinterred remains from Feedwire (Houston) site, subject to probate approval
The council voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to enter into an agreement with developer Doyle Hughes Development to accept reinterment of remains from the Feedwire Farm/Houston Cemetery into the city‑owned Pioneer Cemetery at no cost to the city, contingent on probate court approval, required permits, and developer compliance with OH‑
citizenportal.ai
November 11, 2025 at 7:33 PM
citizenptnewsoh.bsky.social
Residents in Akron are demanding urgent police accountability and transparency from city leaders as violence escalates and petitions remain unanswered.

Click to read more!

#AkronSummitCounty #OH #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #PoliceAccountability #AkronNeighborhoods #CommunityTransparency
Residents press Akron council for police accountability, petition actions and neighborhood safety
Multiple public commenters urged the Akron City Council to pursue police accountability, answer petitions seeking termination of city staff, explain alleged officer harassment, and act on rising violent crime in specific wards. Speakers asked for responses from the mayor and for transparency about funds distributed to protest groups.
citizenportal.ai
November 11, 2025 at 8:04 AM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Washington County faces a surprising $7.2 million general-fund gap for FY 2026'27, despite an unprecedented 11.31% increase in assessed value—what's behind this financial twist?

Click to read more!

#WashingtonCounty #OR #RevenueChallenges #CommunityTransparency #FiscalResponsibility
Washington County forecasts $7.2M general-fund gap next year as SIP transfers decline
County staff briefed commissioners on an unusual 11.31% assessed-value increase driven by SIP expirations and new data centers, while the Strategic Investment Program's transfer to the county general fund fell from $60M to $41M. Staff project a FY 2026'27 general-fund gap of about $7.2M and a larger five-year structural shortfall absent revenue or,
citizenportal.ai
November 8, 2025 at 8:29 PM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Liberty County has just approved a staggering $4.1 million settlement to resolve litigation involving Arkema Inc., marking a significant turning point for the community.

Get the details!

#LibertyCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability #CommunityTransparency #LegalSettlement
Liberty County approves $4.1 million settlement in Arkema-related litigation
After an executive session under Government Code §551.071, the Liberty County Commissioners Court approved a $4.1 million settlement resolving pending litigation involving Arkema Inc. and related defendants, authorized county counsel to finalize the settlement with Baker Weltring LLP, and directed the county judge to execute the agreement once it’s
citizenportal.ai
November 8, 2025 at 1:55 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
The proposed fire district plan has sparked intense debate over potential tax impacts and how the city will manage its budget if approved.

Get the details!

#TroutdaleMultnomahCounty #OR #TroutdalePublicSafety #CommunityTransparency #FireDistricts #TaxAccountability
Public-safety working group discusses five-year fire-district plan; committee raises tax and accountability concerns
Members of the public-safety working group reported a draft five-year contract for a proposed fire district. Committee members said the measure would shift fire funding out of Troutdales general fund, but raised questions about the timeline, required intercity votes and how any city budget savings would be used. One committee member provided an "$
citizenportal.ai
November 8, 2025 at 7:34 AM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
Snellville is gearing up to secure a $4 million loan to tackle SPLOST cash-flow challenges—could this be the solution the city needs?

Learn more here

#SnellvilleCityGwinnettCounty #GA #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #SnellvilleSPLOST #CommunityTransparency
Snellville staff outlines steps for $4 million GMA loan to smooth SPLOST cash flow
City staff presented a plan to pursue a Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) loan of about $4 million as a short-term cash-flow measure while SPLOST collections continue, describing required surveys, legal descriptions, public notices and a likely council action target in early December.
citizenportal.ai
November 8, 2025 at 3:15 AM
citizenptnewswi.bsky.social
After a week of shocking gun violence in Racine, a concerned resident demands transparency and a safety roadmap from city leaders to help restore community trust.

Get the details!

#RacineRacineCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #GunViolencePrevention #CommunityTransparency #CivicAccountability
Racine resident urges mayor, police chief to share plan after recent shootings
During public comment at the Nov. 6 special Common Council session, resident Keith Fair described recent shootings and two murders in the city and asked city leaders to provide a public roadmap and more transparency about steps to stop the violence.
citizenportal.ai
November 8, 2025 at 1:39 AM
citizenptnewsok.bsky.social
Tulsa is considering a new revolving loan fund to boost small developers and tackle the housing shortage, but councilors are raising crucial questions about funding transparency and priorities.

Get the details!

#TulsaTulsaCounty #OK #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityTransparency
City advances small-developer housing loan concept; council asks why downtown redevelopment funds would be repurposed
Staff outlined a revolving loan fund to support small developers and conversions aimed at growing affordable and market housing. Councilors asked why returned downtown redevelopment funds would be repurposed, whether the use matched original ballot-language commitments, and whether money set aside for downtown conversions would still be available.
citizenportal.ai
November 7, 2025 at 9:17 PM
citizenptnewsla.bsky.social
Major upgrades are underway in the Caddo district, including a new auditorium at Walnut Hill and a transformative transportation hub at Midway Avenue!

Learn more here

#LA #CitizenPortal #LouisianaEducation #TransportationInnovation #CommunityTransparency #CampusUpgrades
Caddo district details campus upgrades, transportation hub and property sales; committee approves Pine Valley offer
Facilities director Greer outlined cafeteria, gym and library upgrades at Walnut Hill, J. S. Clark and Donny Bickham; the district described a multi‑phase transportation hub at 2020 Midway Ave and reported recent property sales and appraisals. The committee recommended staff accept an offer for Pine Valley Elementary.
citizenportal.ai
November 7, 2025 at 12:41 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Talent City Council is taking a bold step by seeking a qualified operator for its innovative Gateway business incubator, aiming for transparency and collaboration with local partners.

Click to read more!

#TalentJacksonCounty #OR #BusinessInnovation #CommunityTransparency #EconomicDevelopment
Talent council authorizes RFQ to find operator for Gateway business incubator
The council voted to issue a request for qualifications for an operator of a proposed Gateway business incubator after staff said the OHS/OHCS peer grant and a Talent Business Alliance proposal resumed the project discussion. Councilors sought transparency and broad outreach.
citizenportal.ai
November 7, 2025 at 12:12 PM
citizenptnewssd.bsky.social
The board's recent meeting unveiled major approvals, including a $2 million gift for a new homebuilding laboratory and significant policy updates that could shape the future of education in South Dakota.

Learn more here!

#SD #CitizenPortal #SouthDakotaBoard #CommunityTransparency
Votes at a glance: board approves minutes, agenda, consent items, reports, policy adoptions and facility naming
At the meeting the board approved routine items (minutes, agenda, consent agenda), acknowledged program and marketing reports, approved the finance report, approved the second reading of six policies and approved naming a new Wells Fargo Homebuilding Laboratory after receiving a $2 million gift from Wells Fargo. The transcript records voice votes (
citizenportal.ai
November 7, 2025 at 10:06 AM
citizenptnewsma.bsky.social
Holyoke's mayor assures residents that the city is financially stable, announcing a new $30.1 million school loan that promises to enhance educational facilities while maintaining essential services.

Get the details!

#HolyokeCityHampdenCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #CommunityTransparency
Holyoke mayor says city solvent, $30.1 million school loan closed; FY2023 audits pending
Holyoke City officials told residents the city is not insolvent, has a cash reserve, and recently closed a $30,100,000 loan to fund school capital projects. City leaders said the Commonwealth's only outstanding concern is the timely submission of audit paperwork; FY2023 audits are with outside auditors and will be submitted soon.
citizenportal.ai
November 7, 2025 at 1:25 AM
citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social
An AI alert at Kenwood High School mistook a chip bag for a weapon, sparking urgent reviews of safety protocols by the NAACP and school officials.

Click to read more!

#MD #CitizenPortal #MarylandEducation #AIEthics #SchoolSafety #CommunityTransparency
NAACP urges transparency after Kenwood High AI alert; school system, law enforcement reviewing procedures
The Baltimore County NAACP said an AI-based alert at Kenwood High incorrectly flagged a chip bag as a potential weapon but that the item was determined not to be a weapon; the organization said BCPS and law enforcement are reviewing procedures and pledged collaboration to prevent recurrence.
citizenportal.ai
November 5, 2025 at 7:59 AM
citizenptnewsca.bsky.social
Residents are calling for a reversal of a controversial decision that could jeopardize a vital local behavioral health campus, emphasizing the urgent need for accessible mental health care in our community.

Read the full story

#ShastaCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #CommunityTransparency
Public speakers blast board's earlier move on True North behavioral health project; many urge reconsideration
Dozens of public commenters urged the Board of Supervisors to support a proposed regional behavioral health campus (True North) and criticized a recent board action opposing the project's grant application. Speakers described problems with sending patients long distances for care and questioned the county's process and evidence.
citizenportal.ai
November 5, 2025 at 5:38 AM
citizenptnewsil.bsky.social
Evanston's Board of Education is considering closing two neighborhood schools amidst rising community concerns about special education and the need for a transparent process.

Read the full story

#IL #CitizenPortal #SpecialEducation #EvanstonEducation #CommunityTransparency
Evanston board weighs closing two neighborhood schools as community urges slow, transparent process
After hours of public comment focused on special‑education programs and transparency, the district’s consultants recommended closing two schools in addition to the already‑closed Bessie Rhodes to improve building utilization and long‑term finances. The board asked staff to refine two‑school scenarios and a phased sequencing option and to return to,
citizenportal.ai
November 2, 2025 at 9:23 AM
citizenptnewswa.bsky.social
Franklin County's Assessor's Office has unveiled a cutting-edge GIS portal and shared insights on the latest revaluation trends—find out how these changes could impact your property taxes!

Learn more here

#FranklinCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #CommunityTransparency #PropertyTax #GISTechnology
Franklin County assessor details 2025 revaluation, launches new GIS map and sales-search tools
Assessor's Office staff presented the 2025 revaluation results, described a new in‑house GIS portal with nightly updates and a forthcoming sales‑search tool, reviewed appraisal and appeal procedures under state oversight, and summarized parcel-level valuation changes and outreach efforts including a new property-change flyer.
citizenportal.ai
November 2, 2025 at 12:06 AM
citizenptnewsny.bsky.social
The Starpoint Central School District is rewriting its safety plan to enhance emergency preparedness and transparency, but they want your voice in shaping it!

Get the details!

#NY #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #NewYorkSchools #CommunityTransparency #EmergencyResponse
Board opens public hearing on revised districtwide safety plan citing 'Disha's Law' and AED requirements
The board opened a public hearing on changes to the districtwide safety plan to comply with a state law referred to as 'Disha's Law', which requires public inclusion of procedures for sudden cardiac arrest and AED accessibility. The board approved a resolution to start a 30-day public comment period on the revised plan.
citizenportal.ai
October 31, 2025 at 8:26 PM
citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social
Montgomery County residents are raising alarm bells over proposed zoning changes that could threaten affordable housing and community stability along University Boulevard.

Get the details!

#MontgomeryCounty #MD #CitizenPortal #CommunityTransparency #MontgomeryCountyCivicEngagement #RacialEquity
Montgomery County hearing draws heavy opposition to University Boulevard overlay zoning proposal
At a public hearing Oct. 28, 2025, residents, civic groups and county reviewers voiced concerns that ZTA 25-12, which would create a University Boulevard overlay zone, could spur displacement, reduce tree canopy and proceed ahead of needed infrastructure and community engagement; the Planning Board clarified technical standards and urged funding of
citizenportal.ai
October 31, 2025 at 5:41 PM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Austin ISD's draft consolidation plan is stirring up strong emotions as families rally to save their beloved Barker Woods Elementary amidst fears of closure and disruption.

Get the details!

#TX #CitizenPortal #CommunityTransparency #TexasEducation #EnrollmentReform #SchoolEquity
Austin ISD draft consolidation plan prompts opposition at Barker Woods meeting
Austin ISD staff presented a draft consolidation and boundary-change plan that would affect Barker Woods Elementary. Superintendent Matías said the proposal responds to enrollment declines, misaligned feeder patterns and program continuity; parents, teachers and local business owners asked the district to share its underlying data, consider keeping
citizenportal.ai
October 31, 2025 at 1:17 PM
citizenptnewsmi.bsky.social
Oakland Community Health Network is set to take control of crisis services in the county, sparking both hope for continuity and concerns over past service disruptions.

Learn more here!

#OaklandCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #BehavioralHealth #CrisisServices #CommunityTransparency
Oakland Community Health Network says it will assume county crisis services as state procurement looms
Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) announced it intends to directly operate crisis services to protect continuity amid an impending state procurement for PIHPs. Community providers and local advocates urged caution, citing prior service transitions and concerns about centralizing service delivery.
citizenportal.ai
October 31, 2025 at 12:25 PM
citizenptnewsga.bsky.social
Stonecrest's City Manager unveiled a robust $36.6 million FY2026 budget, promising essential improvements and employee support while maintaining the current millage rate.

Learn more here!

#StonecrestDeKalbCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #StonecrestBudget #CommunityTransparency
Stonecrest manager presents $36.6 million FY2026 proposal; council opens public hearing
The city manager presented the FY2026 proposed budget — total $36.6 million — and council opened a public hearing. Highlights included a recommended 5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for employees, 100% employer‑paid medical, and capital projects such as $3 million for street resurfacing and funding for sidewalks, parks and a town center.
citizenportal.ai
October 31, 2025 at 8:49 AM