AFFORDABLE LEBANON

Let's Set a New Course Together

I will use my experiences, abilities, and resolve to work collaboratively to find solutions to our problems.

ABOUT ME

A Candidate For

Fiscal Accountability

Please let me introduce myself. I’m Lori Key, and I’m running for the Lebanon City Council At Large seat which includes representation of residents in all three wards. I have immersed myself in Lebanon city matters since the ominous news the city manager shared last summer about the need to increase our municipal taxes by 12% or more, year over year, for at least the next 4 years. That means a municipal tax increase of over 50% by the end of 2028. The financial health of our city is in dire shape and I am committed to doing something about it.

I have lived and worked in this community since 1980 and I’ve witnessed its growth and potential. But over the past months, as I've reached out to my fellow residents, I've witnessed the anxiety of homeowners who fear they are being priced out of Lebanon. Much more action needs to come from our Council to change course. Our residents deserve better and that will only come with a slate of new councilors who have the courage to look for solutions that work for everyone.

PRIORITIES

Sustainable Budgeting

I will work to achieve a sustainable

budget that meets the current needs of our residents and reflects the constraints of our local economy.

There is a dire need to take a deeper look at every expenditure and revenue source and make smarter decisions about what tradeoffs need to happen.

The city budget has grown from $61 Million 5 years ago to $92 Million today.

Debt service is 12% of the total city budget; it rose by 14.65% from 2024 to 2025.

The Capital Improvement budget for 2025 is $25.7 Million. It represents 27% of the total budget and calls for new bonds (long term debt) of $19 Million.

Affordable Taxes

I will work to make the inflation rate (consumer price index) the benchmark

goal for future tax increases.

Residential property owners are struggling to afford to live in Lebanon and are being priced out of their homes; this will trickle down to renters.

Today there are approximately 6100 residential properties that bear the burden of the largest portion of all municipal taxes collected. This is due to the relative growth in property values of homes versus businesses and differences in appraisal methodology of apartment complexes.

Focus On Our Community

I will work on a strategic plan that first and foremost serves

the needs of our community today.

The strategic plan must consider the realities of our community today and should not focus only on long term benefits. It cannot be a wish list of pet projects with no thought of immediate impacts to the community.

Financial security must be a central part of the strategic plan. We must have the discipline to balance needs with resources. We should focus first on necessary services that meet the needs of everyone, taking into consideration the socioeconomic diversity of our community, which is one of the attributes that makes Lebanon the community we want to call home.

What You Can Expect From Me

As a lifelong advocate for community empowerment, I’ll work tirelessly to represent your voice in all Council matters. As a new member of the Council, I will bring a greater level of rigor over deliberations by making certain all relevant information regarding benefits and tradeoffs that may affect residents has been fully considered before votes are cast. I’m committed to ensuring every family in our community has the opportunity to thrive here.