Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Brookings public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in public safety with medium priority
Firefighter protective equipment grant
Brookings Fire landed a $17,104.50 state grant to buy new structural firefighting gear — a full reimbursement with no local match, so taxpayers get new equipment at no cost.
Proposed e-bike and e-scooter ordinance
A draft ordinance would set rules for sidewalks, trails, and shared-use paths: 15 mph trail speed limit, pedestrian right-of-way, a ban on class 3 e-bikes, and city approval for rental scooter companies. Council members raised helmet requirements for kids and driver education as possible additions.
School resource officer funding split
The city spends about $371,000 a year on its two school resource officers but the schools cover only about 25%. City Manager Briseno says the SROs aren't going anywhere — but he's asking the school district for a more balanced cost-sharing arrangement as part of the 2027 budget.
EMS response times and ambulance shortages
Council Member Lisa Hager's health system board report showed EMS calls up 41.5% since 2020 with a small staff and aging fleet — and new ambulances take about three years to arrive. Brookings Health was also named to Forbes' top hospitals by state for 2026.