Gross receipts tax increase

The former mayor (2012-2026) strongly backed the tax increase, blaming the state's flawed destination-based taxation for gutting oilfield-service revenue and vetoed $25 million relief, and urged the commission to adopt the higher rate and then grow the local tax base.

A business owner who argued the proposed tax amount doesn't match the actual need, urged renegotiating the 100%-occupancy airline subsidy, suggested selling or privatizing the golf course, and pushed the city to pursue state capital outlay funding and grant writers for infrastructure instead of raising taxes.

A business owner who agreed costs eventually fall on consumers, questioned who pays for city lawsuits, urged budget cuts, and warned that if the tax passes it will face a referendum petition and be voted down by the community.

A local business owner who asked whether each department and department head has been audited and evaluated to identify shortfalls, arguing that should happen before any tax increase.

The owner of Rig Outfitters and Home Store questioned why the city would raise $14.7 million a year when the budget gap is only about $6.87 million, and urged the Commission to show cuts and efficiencies before raising taxes.