It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Friday February 13, 2026.
Palmer Mayor Jim Cooper sat down with Mike Chmielewski to discuss the recent city council meeting for our Mayor’s Minutes show. Their conversation centered on a temporary sales tax increase to help fund library construction and the contract dispute about the city golf course.
They also touched on the process of appointing a new council member and the community fundraising effort for the library.
Mayor Cooper told Chmielewski that he felt that the meeting was productive. The mayor noted that the proposed sales tax increase and the golf course negotiations generated the most comments from the public.
The sales tax proposal would raise Palmer’s sales tax from 3% to 4% for just over a year and a half. Citizens felt the proposal surfaced too quickly. Council member Collins had suggested the sales tax increase as one way to generate additional revenue for the library construction. Mayor Cooper noted that the concept had come up earlier in discussions about funding for the construction.
If approved, the increase would begin in April and end in October the following year. The estimated revenue of about $3 million would be dedicated to library construction.
Confusion arose during the meeting about the income generated by the sales tax and by the bonding. A presentation calculated the cost of repaying a $10 million bond over 20 years. The temporary sales tax increase would likely generate about $3 million. The mayor acknowledged that side-by-side comparisons are needed so both the council and the public fully understand the financial implications.
The city has about $9.2 million set aside for the library. The Friends of the Palmer Public Library have raised more than $200,000. This brings the total to about $9.4 million for construction. A temporary sales tax would generate about $3 million. This looks to meet the $12 million bid to build the library. Other costs associated with the new library including furniture and equipment were not discussed.
Mayor Cooper noted that a sales tax spreads costs across everyone who shops in Palmer, including visitors, rather than placing the burden on local property owners.
The city council has the authority to change the sales tax by resolution without a public vote according to city ordinance. Mayor Cooper chose to hold a public hearing to get community input. After hearing from residents and business owners, the council decided to postpone discussion for two weeks to allow more time for information and clarification.
The council then heard about the dispute over the golf course contract. The council had approved a $475,000 contract and authorized the city manager to negotiate changes with operator George Collum. Disagreements emerged over some of the proposed contract terms. Collum has retained an attorney and the city has hired legal counsel. The attorneys are negotiating the contract.
The prior contract expired in December. There is no contract governing golf course operations at this time. That uncertainty could affect several large tournaments scheduled for this summer. According to the mayor, there are four. Typical preseason course preparations have not started due to the contract negotiations. Both sides want a resolution soon so the course can open and operate normally.
Mayor Cooper and Chmielewski also touched on the vacant council seat. Eight people have applied. Mayor Cooper has sent additional questions to applicants. They have one week to respond in writing. Cooper will review the materials. He has up to 45 days to make an appointment, though he expects to decide by early March.
The mayor highlighted the fundraising campaign by the Friends of the Palmer Public Library. The effort will run from Valentine’s Day to St. Patrick’s Day. It features community events built around a “little train that could” theme to rally support and excitement for the library project.
Chmielewski thanked the mayor for clarifying issues that can leave citizens and business owners with questions. Mayor Cooper said he appreciates the opportunity to explain the details and looks forward to providing clearer financial comparisons on the library construction at the next council meeting.
The complete interview with Mayor Cooper will be up on bigcabbageradio.org under Mayor’s Minutes.
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This Page Two article was written by Mike Chmielewski and read by Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Friday February 13, 2026.