The Philomath City Council finalized a list of priorities to be incorporated into the city’s 2025-26 fiscal year budget during its April 14 meeting.
The councilors and mayor had reviewed and discussed its strategic plan over several work sessions and meetings. In the end, 13 goals were selected from among the city’s four strategic plan themes, which cover things like governance/community engagement, healthy economy, quality of life and safety.
Top priorities include:
- Establish reserve policies for all enterprise funds.
- Implement new evidence-tracking software for police.
- Launch the Philomath 2050 Community Visioning Project.
- Install more public art throughout the community and refocus the Art Committee to develop sustainable, long-term funding strategies.
- Complete environmental cleanup at 14th and Main streets.
- Partner with a nonprofit to create a housing plan for city-owned land at 20th and Main streets.
- Improve bike and pedestrian connections throughout the city.
- Install outdoor exercise equipment at Philomath City Park.
- Upgrade park signage and cameras to reduce vandalism.
- Install radar speed signs at entrances to town.
- Increase funding for additional police officer training.
- Finalize the new water treatment plant.
- Complete testing at 11th Street well for future aquifer storage options to lessen demand on Marys River during the summer.
On the same evening, the council approved the 2025-26 capital improvement plan. Kevin Fear, public works director, was at the meeting to give councilors a rundown on various projects.