The city has fluoridated its water for decades. Advocates say it is a proven, safe way to fight tooth decay. Opponents argue that fluoride can cause thyroid, kidney and neurological problems and that populations without fluoridated water have seen declines in tooth cavities.

The City Council in November approved a fluoride chemical purchase bid, but it also directed staff to schedule a time to publicly discuss whether to keep adding fluoride.

“I think we need to have that discussion. I think we need to have it where it’s been out and the public has seen it so they know what we’re talking about,” Councilman Chet Makinster said at the time.

However, during a council retreat in January, the council decided not to buy any more of the chemical until the supply runs out in May, at which point it would consider whether to continue, Wallis said.

The city is still adding fluoride, said City Manager Kurt Sacha, and the council likely will discuss fluoride use at a public workshop or meeting in April or May.

“I’m not an expert on water. I just know the information I’ve been given and there seems to be some measure of validity to the research that is out there on fluorosilicic acid that it is harmful to our health,” Wallis said.