At their July 1st meeting, the council continued their discussion on a November ballot question asking the voters to approve a 20-year bond via a property tax increase. No vote was taken, but they were asked to indicate which package they supported.
Councilor Barnes said there was a lot of concern about the economy and supports package B.
Councilor Gallegos pointed to some council meetings exceeding capacity in the council chambers. She said the public wants to come and have their voices heard, and she supports package A.
Councilor Tapia Vega wants them to be proactive regarding City Hall and supports package A.
Mayor Pro-Tem Wong supports package A.
Councilor Fridland talked about economic uncertainty and being fiscally conservative. He thinks the vision and ideas are good for the new Civic Center, and to keep working on it, but he supports package B.
Councilor Samson was not in attendance but sent her thoughts to Mayor Mangat. She supports doing the Civic Center at a later date and wants package B.
Mayor Mangat pointed to increased supply chain costs. He said repairs for the rec center and service center had been put off, that the civic center could provide space for youth and seniors, for staff and members of the community. He supports package A.
WHAT GOES TO THE BALLOT?
A majority of council on a 4-3 split, supports asking the voters to raise their property taxes via a 20-year bond to build a new Civic Center and to expand and remodel the Bob Burger Recreation Center and the Parks and Public Works Service Center.
NEXT STEP
Staff will write the ballot question for three projects. Council is scheduled to vote on a resolution on August 19th that calls the election and authorizes the ballot question.
Want to offer more support? Awesome!
I’ve told Council that I will mount a boisterous opposition to any ballot measure that would increase property taxes for our long time seniors. Many of these people are struggling to hang on to their homes as it is, and it is nothing but immoral to pile on to that and help sink them. I would rather see all 3 projects tanked than contribute to their downfall. If they can figure out a way to do it without hurting our seniors, then I will happily vote for either package. Otherwise, I’ll be the loudest voice in town to try to defeat it outright.
Karen, Thank you for your continued reporting to keep the citizens of Lafayette informed. Do you think our opinions even matter to those at the helm? We’re quickly losing our small town.
You go girl!
Lynn Crotty 2533 Cowley Dr