City of Pittsburg

The commission meeting included a segment for public input, during which several citizens addressed critical issues. A representative from CCAP, Inc. presented detailed statistics regarding their public transportation services in Crawford County, noting a significant funding shortfall for the 2025-2026 program year and emphasizing the vital role of these services for healthcare, employment, and essential access. Other public comments focused on the critical nature of these transportation services for vulnerable populations and urged the commission to secure sustainable funding. Further discussion involved advocating for improved soccer facilities in Pittsburgh, citing economic impacts from neighboring communities lacking such amenities, and requests regarding the display of local school mascots on the Northwater tower for community pride. Additionally, citizens requested greater commission involvement in budget oversight, specifically asking for a spending threshold for the City Manager and wider distribution of salary ordinances.

The meeting commenced with the official call to order and a prayer, noting the upcoming 150th birthday celebration for the City of Pittsburgh in 2026. New department heads, Fire Chief Jack Spencer and Park Director Chris Ly, were introduced. A significant portion of the meeting involved the County Treasurer, Joe Grizzlano, explaining the process and ramifications of a requested budget reduction during the current tax year, particularly concerning property tax collection, mill levy calculations resulting from changed assessed values, and the administrative complexity of reprocessing tax statements and issuing potential refunds due to overpayments. The Treasurer advised against mid-year reductions, suggesting expense monitoring and adjustment during the next annual budget cycle instead. The discussion highlighted that the current tax levy increase was a result of process mechanics due to property value changes, not an intent to increase revenue beyond the adopted budget amount.

The special meeting focused on discussing poppy taxes and the 2026 budget, specifically addressing discrepancies found in the initial submission calculations. The primary issue revolved around the assessed valuation pool, where an error involving the exclusion of TIF/RED funds (approximately $3.2 million) led to an inflated mill rate of 52.006 instead of the intended 50.854, resulting in a surplus tax collection potential of approximately $27,000 if the originally intended budget amount was maintained. Discussions centered on understanding the complex yearly fluctuations in assessed valuation due to exemptions, ownership changes, and protests, and exploring mechanisms for earlier review between the county clerk's office and the city to prevent such year-end adjustments. The County Clerk emphasized adherence to state timelines, although a willingness to review drafts earlier was expressed.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and a prayer. Public input included a presentation requesting new public soccer fields due to program growth and facility limitations at existing fields. Another resident raised concerns regarding inconsistencies and lack of transparency across three different 2026 budget books, specifically citing variations in assessed valuations, mill rates, tax levy dollars, expenditures, and fund allocations, and requested a financial audit. The commission also approved the consent agenda. Under new business, the commission approved a change order for the Eagle Picture Technology project, adding 31 days to the substantial completion date to June 26, 2026, due to delays in receiving insulated metal panels, with no cost change.

The agenda included a special presentation from a horticultural expert regarding native plants and grasses, noting Pittsburg is in climate zone 6B. Old business covered an update on the Recycling Center, noting a successful open house and the need for a public media campaign to increase membership during its strategic planning effort. The committee discussed planning a joint open house event in the Summer of 2023. Membership applications were reviewed, and the committee expressed interest in making a community garden a keystone project, focusing on using native plants, and considering potential locations.