One year ago, East Wenatchee increased car tabs by 49%, and increased our property tax by 1%, the last two years in a row, without a vote of citizens . A World news article quoted “Lacy said Wednesday that he doesn’t think that the condition of residential streets is a crisis, but said that available funding for street repairs is so lacking it’s “laughable.” East Wenatchee removed the 25% of property and sales tax that goes to Street funds several years ago without a vote of council. Where are those funds now? Mayor told council when he changed it, that since all street funds now come from general funds, "we can spend more than 25% if needed"? Never Happened- did it? The finance director stated “he could not find the ordinance setting it, so figured the previous clerk set it at 25%"? I do remember not only setting it, but one year bumping it to a 30/70 split briefly. the state auditor claims that by passing the budget, you pass whatever split or lack of split at that time, so it was legal? The city spent street funds (general funds) to help fund the sprint boats for several years when there was not enough in the 6% hotel/motel taxes by almost 100,000.
Yesterday I heard on KPQ radio a report that I felt was misleading- It painted the city newest project, The Gateway Project, as part of "the Entrance to the City what could have a library, meeting place which we do not have now, a farmers market and property is located at foot of 9th ST".- First- this is nothing new- we spent 5,000 several years ago on a study to clean up downtown with business owners requesting we buy that property for more parking for them. The property is indeed an eyesore, and the Texaco Sign is out of compliance still, after all these years. It is not a gas station now, and think of the cleanup cost from possible contaminated soil/tanks? It is not the Entrance to the City. Who says we do not have a meeting place now- isn't that what the city hall was built for- the council chambers and other rooms? Is that the role of basic Government? I doubt if there is room for a library at Valley Mall Pkw. and 9th St. and if the city was to move library there- it would have fund at least 150,000 from general funds as the library was built in city hall partially from a gift that stated it had to be used for a library. (Actually the gift was around 40,000 and grew to 150,000 with interest as it sat) I personally do not think people want a library just one block from the Porn Shop and next to Taverns- the only patrons would be the bums who sleep along trail. (that is still allowed and no one cares) And if it is big enough- where is the parking and room for farmers market and meeting rooms as stated? The light for that intersection was approved years ago on six year street plan and is nothing new or related to this project. The article said they did not know if the property owner wanted to sell- that is confusing as we discussed this years ago, on the 5,000 study, and that was the direction why we had to do the study back then. (see post below from city web site) The article never mentioned costs , where the money would come from or why the government is competing with private business? It sure sounds like Wenatchee Politics and how Obama runs news stories by state run media. This is same council who thought the sprint boats were the answer and who had us believe if we passed the sales tax increase for arena, all of Wenatchee's tax problems would be over. Do you think Wenatchee and surrounding communities will bail us out when this fails and they ask for more money. Wake up- is this the PFD all over again? I am still holding out for 30.00 car tabs that I voted on several times. And for you laughing at me for holding out- remember Wenatchee got into its mess the same way- people not questioning or asking tough questions, and I personally prefer not to consolidate our police with the county and raise taxes too.
This is only news I found on city web site- it goes against the news report that they "do not know if the property owner wants to sell property". I am not blaming anyone for this type of news story- I just am tired of this type of news stories I hear more and more of every day. Is this investigative reporting or just blogging?
Mayor's Report
Post Date:06/11/2014 8:56 AM
Mayor Lacy reminded Council of the retreat being held on Friday, May 30, 2014, starting at 9 a.m. at the Wild Card Sports Bar & Grill to discuss. He stated that it will be an open public meeting, and will be advertised.
Mayor Lacy stated that he would like Council to approve moving forward with purchasing property for the Gateway Project before deciding any uses for the property. He said that the owner is well aware of our interest, we have not begun to negotiate terms or prices, but the owner has an interest and is willing to negotiate. Mayor Lacy said he would like to keep income flowing at the property, until we have the funds to starthe said something will be developed, he will explore it with Legal Counsel, and it will be an on-going negotiation.
update; the land at 88 9th St. was to be purchased by city for 450,000 after the original story said 350,000. The illegal Texaco sign has not been taken down yet. the county valuation of land is only $283,000? and the owners purchased the property in 03 for 325,000. Thanks taxpayers- this will be a welcome addition for the transients and the adult book store across the street from gateway project.
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