Cityscape

2016-17 Measure V Update
On Jan. 13, the City of Healdsburg sent out its annual Measure V Survey to all city utility customers. Measure V is a half-cent sales tax used to fund vital city services and programs. One hundred percent of the revenue is spent locally for the benefit of Healdsburg residents. The city received a 72 percent increase in responses over last year with 1,141 return surveys. The city would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the print or online survey. Measure V funding priorities include Public Safety, Street Maintenance and Repair, Economic Development and Maintenance of City Facilities. The City Council is expected to make a final determination on the use of Measure V funds at the March 10 Council Goal Setting session. For additional information, visit www.cityofhealdsburg.org/405/Measure-V
Cerri Site (Purity Building)
The city will host a public open house today, March 3 beginning at 5 p.m. to discuss reuse options for the Cerri Site (Purity Building) in downtown Healdsburg. City residents are encouraged to attend and provide input.
5 p.m. – Self-guided tour of the building (3 North Street)
6 p.m. – Presentation of the design options as well as a question and answer at the City Hall Council Chambers (401 Grove Street)
For additional information, visit www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us/696/Cerri-Site-Purity-Building.
Water and Wastewater Utility Changes
Water: the city has taken significant steps to control utility costs. However, drought conditions and water use restrictions mandated by the state have resulted in reduced water sales, and the water utility may not meet debt service coverage requirements in fiscal year 2015-16. As a result, it is recommended that the city increase water rates beginning May 2016 as follows: June 2016: 6 percent, July 2017: 4 percent, July 2018: 4 percent, July 2019: 3 percent, July 2020: 3 percent.
Wastewater: the wastewater utility is currently able to cover all current and estimated future operating and maintenance costs, debt service payments and capital program needs, as well as maintain a contingency reserve and begin funding a Rate Stabilization Fund, with current rates and other revenues. Because of its strong financial condition, it appears possible to slightly reduce wastewater rates at this time, and depending on the changes in customer demands, it may not be necessary to increase them for the duration of the planning period. A 2 percent decrease in the overall level of the wastewater rate revenues is proposed for July 2016. A sample residential unit with an increase in water and decrease in wastewater results in a $2.04 per month increase overall. A single family bill might change from $116.34 (current) to $118.38. If the Council accepts the Water and Wastewater Financial Plan and Rate Update, the city will schedule a hearing for the council to receive public input on the recommended water and wastewater rate. The public hearing is tentatively scheduled for May 2, during the City Council’s regular meeting.
Housing For Healdsburg Workshops
The first of three 2016 workshops was hosted last week, with 80 people in attendance. Participants identified the lack of available affordable housing and the need for greater diversity in our housing options as key issues, ranking construction of new housing units to address these two challenges the highest priority for our community. The next housing workshop is scheduled for Thursday, March 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Community Center, 1557 Healdsburg Ave. Using a moderated panel discussion, the evening’s program will include a number of experienced and recognized housing developers and lenders who will discuss the mechanics of residential development, market realities in Healdsburg, and the types of policy changes that may need to occur in order for the community to achieve the kinds of housing development it would like to see. For additional information, visit cityofhealdsburg.org/649/Community-Housing-Development-Department or call 431-3317.
David Mickaelian is the Healdsburg City Manager. To submit ideas or questions for this column, email ci*******@ci.us.