City Council 7/18/23—Council held a brief Urban Renewal Agency meeting and reviewed its 2023 Urban Renewal Plan Amendment, the maximum indebtedness of which has been increased by $2,167,333. In the FY 2023-24 budget, the city may spend up to $600,000 on capital improvements and was presented with a list of possible uses for the money that included, a new fire engine, restoration of historic buildings, a 3rd Street Pedestrian Plaza, grants for downtown/California Street property improvements.
During the City Council meeting, the council reviewed a suggestion by Fire Chief Painter for a new fire engine—the best option being a Pierce Fire Engine, at a cost of $631,000. Assuming the city pays for the engine now, the cost will be discounted to $599,155 if paid for within 30 days. It was noted that the engine needs to be purchased immediately to begin the process of building the fire engine as the process takes two years from order to completion. After no discussion on the matter, Council voted unanimously on the expenditure of Urban Renewal funds.
Police Surcharge Codified—Following the first reading of Ordinance No. O2023-003, approved on June 20, 2023, the Council heard and approved a second reading, thus adopting the resolution. Bottom line: On August 18, the Police Protection surcharge shall be increased to $35 per month per unit.