CITY BEAT JUNE 2023
As published in the February issue of the Mission Village Voice
The City is in the middle of its Strategic Planning and Budget Processes. Both will be wrapped up by the end of June. In March, the City launched its Strategic Plan process with interviews of strategic partners, and a community-wide survey from which 158 replies were received. Two community meetings were held April 14 and 15, 2023. Two more community meetings will be held at the Carl Luck Library, Friday afternoon June 2, and all-day Saturday 9-4 PM.
The City’s Draft Budget was introduced May 17, 2023 and is available on line or in hard copy. It relies in part on feedback from the Strategic Planning work. An initiative to keep City Hall open until 5 PM every day, and improve its communication plan are included. A draft economic development initiative is also included. The City will soon begin recruitment for a Recreation Technician. Funding for the new Recreation Services Department is part of the draft budget. The City is also considering the re-structuring of its public safety services.
Water remains the top priority. The Budget includes its largest capital improvement project in several decades- $18.7 million sanitary sewer force main to Hollister. This project is out to bid currently, and will be under construction this summer. On May 16, 2023, the City Council approved a 40-year agreement with the City of Hollister, to accept the City’s domestic wastewater so the Wastewater Treatment Plant can be decommissioned. Now the focus can turn towards importing surface water from the San Benito Water District. This will be blended with 35% of the City’s ground water to reduce its hardness. This project will start next fiscal year.
The Budget is proposed to be adopted June 13, 2023. Please let us know what you think!
Thank you!
City Manager Don Reynolds