Dayton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dayton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Temporary 2027 city budget
The proposed $592.4 million 2027 budget leans on one-time money; officials warn the deficit returns in 2028 unless recurring revenues rise or costs fall. Water and sewer rates would jump 8.5% and 9%.
Government Structure and Neighborhood Representation
Speakers pushed for ward-based representation and a charter review, arguing the current at-large, commission-manager system leaves neighborhoods without a voice.
City Manager Spending Authority and Transparency
Residents say the city won't explain why it pays legal settlements with public money and questions the $80,000 outside search firm for the next city manager.
2026 Municipal Bond Issuance and Debt Management
The commission approved over $53 million in total bond legislation across two meetings, prompting debate over public borrowing costs, transparency, prevailing wages, and impacts on sewer rates.
Second Revised 2026 Budget Appropriations
City officials hosted a public hearing on the proposed $1 billion 2026 budget, which balances general fund expenditures using one-time funds, ARPA interest, and reserves while funding police, fire, housing, and violence prevention.
HRC staffing and board vacancies
The HRC has one open board seat and a vacant Business and Technical Administrator position, and board chair Tom Wahlrab's term expires January 1, 2027. The city is recruiting community members to fill these roles.
Temporary Staffing Agency Contracts
Residents questioned the city's ongoing reliance on temporary employment agencies for entry-level public works and administrative positions instead of direct civil service hiring.
Demands for City Manager Termination
Multiple speakers and community leaders called for the immediate firing of City Manager Shelly Dickstein, citing a decade of poor leadership, rising executive salaries without performance evaluations, and neglect of disadvantaged neighborhoods.