Coburg Voters Decide on Community Services Funding Measure This November

The proposed Coburg Community Services Referendum asks residents to approve a dedicated funding stream for social programs administered by the Coburg City Council. The measure would apply to properties within city limits and direct proceeds to services such as senior meal delivery and after-school care at existing municipal facilities.

Why the measure appears on the ballot now

City budget documents for the 2026-27 fiscal year show that current allocations for community services have remained flat since 2023 while demand for assistance programs has increased in several districts. Local government officials scheduled the referendum after the council received petitions from neighborhood associations seeking a public vote on revenue options rather than cuts to other departments.

Passage would mean that funds collected under the measure must be spent on designated categories listed in the ordinance, including maintenance of community centers in the north and south ends of the city and expanded hours at the central social services office. Residents who use these sites for job training sessions or family counseling would see changes in availability depending on how the council prioritizes the new resources.

Projected distribution of any new revenue

Under the text of the referendum, 40 percent of proceeds would support programs for residents aged 65 and older, 35 percent would go to youth activities, and the remaining share would cover administrative costs at the city level. The legislation states that an independent oversight committee would review annual spending reports starting in 2027.

The measure will appear on the ballot in November 2026. If approved by a majority of votes cast, collections would begin in January 2027 and first appear in the city’s mid-year budget adjustment released that spring.