City of North Bend release - NORTH BEND — As the cost of essential city services continues to rise, the City of North Bend is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping its financial future by participating in upcoming budget meetings scheduled for May 21 and 22.  The City Council and staff are highlighting the city’s strong track record of grant acquisition and fiscal stewardship as inflation pressures mount. Since 2020, the city has secured more than $17.74 million in state, federal, and private foundation grants—funds that have enabled critical infrastructure improvements that otherwise could not be covered by property taxes alone.  “To put it in perspective, for every dollar North Bend property owners paid in taxes, city staff matched it with 93.2 cents in outside grant funding,” Finance Director Jeff Bridgens said. “That’s real value for our residents.”  Property tax revenues for Fiscal Year 2025 totaled $4.68 million. However, the cost of maintaining public safety services alone significantly exceeds that amount, with $4.08 million allocated to police services and $2.17 million to fire and rescue operations. These figures underscore the city’s ongoing challenge: local property taxes simply aren’t enough to cover core services in a climate where inflation has surged 23.5% over the past five years.  The city’s collaborative spirit extends beyond its own boundaries. North Bend staff have helped secure an additional $4.93 million in grant funding for Coos County non-profits and neighboring local governments.  The City Council is now inviting the public to engage in its Fiscal Year 2026 budgeting process. Budget Committee meetings will be held at 5:30 p.m. on May 21 and 22 at North Bend City Hall, 835 California Ave. Seating is limited, but residents can also watch live or recorded proceedings online at www.northbendoregon.us.  Public comment is welcome, either in person or remotely with advance registration.  Additionally, a public hearing on the use of State Revenue Sharing Funds, as required under ORS 221.770, will take place on May 21. Sign-up forms for oral or written testimony—both remote and in-person—will be available at www.northbendoregon.us.  The North Bend Urban Renewal Agency (URA) will also convene budget meetings on May 21 and 22. Testimony on the URA's proposed FY26 budget will be accepted after the document is formally reviewed.  Copies of the proposed budgets will be available for inspection or purchase at North Bend City Hall beginning May 6. To schedule an appointment, call 541-756-8529. Digital copies will be posted online the same day. Printed copies are available for $0.27 per double-sided, non-color page.  “Transparency and accountability matter. We want our residents to understand where their tax dollars go—and why grant funding is vital to sustaining our community,” Bridgens said.