Getting Serious - Recent Decisions by the Council
The City of Sebastopol has made some major decisions in the last few months. Below is a brief list of the "highlights." It's not exclusive. There are many other issues that have been addressed since January. The links below are to articles in the Sebastopol Times (Yes, please consider subscribing to this excellent local news source.).
- Fiscal Crisis: At the March 5 meeting received an audit for last fiscal year. On March 19 received a detailed report on the current fiscal crisis and also provided preliminary direction to staff on budget priorities for next fiscal year.
- Water Sewer Rates: Received water and sewer rate cost allocation study on February 20. Approved water and sewer rate increases on April 23.
- Sales Tax Measure: At the March 19 meeting, approved staff bringing back to Council next steps for a 1/2 percent sales tax measure to go on the November 2024 ballot.
- Fire Services: Decided to consolidate with Gold Ridge Fire Protection District. Approved hiring of fire engineer. Both at April 23 meeting.
- Community Development Director: At the April 23 meeting, approved funding for this position to replace the departing Planning Director.
- EIFD: Approved hiring of a consultant to explore a possible enhanced infrastructure financing district, and accepted County funding to cover the cost of the consultant. At the January 16 meeting.
- Electrification Study: Received a report at the March 5 meeting from the Climate Action Committee describing the results of a study on electrification.
- Garbage Hauler: Made preliminary decisions for issuance of a Request for Proposals inviting applications for garbage services. At the February 20 meeting.
- Housing Projects: Approved the market rate Canopy housing project behind O'Reilly Media. Withdraw from the Homekey funded affordable housing project at the former Horizon Shine Village site. Both at the April 2 meeting.
- Zoom Public Comment Option: Considered elimination of zoom twice, once on February 6 and again on April 16, and in both instances decided to retain the zoom for public comments during meetings.