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Task Force: No Sales Tax Increase, For Now

The co-chairpersons of the Blue Ribbon Task Force presented their findings to the City Council at its July 15 meeting. The Council had tasked the group on whether to put a sales tax measure on the November 2013 ballot. The Task Force recommended against doing that - at least for now.

The Task Force agreed that there are needs that the City has in the short-term. With the City's economic picture improving and a survey of likely November 2013 City voters showing a sales tax increase would not pass at this time, the Task Force recommended that the City not pursue a ballot measure at this time.

The Task Force, pictured above, met in weekly meetings for two months, from May 7 until June 18, and reviewed information provided by staff and requested by the group on the City's existing and future needs. Tours of City facilities were provided for members to familiarize themselves with the state of the assets the City has to deliver services to its residents.

The process revealed there are facilities and services which would benefit from increased resources, many identified as being of high importance to likely voters who took the survey. There also was consensus that Public Safety, Economic Development, and maintenance of City assets, especially roads, would most benefit from additional revenue and provide the greatest return on investment.  

The information the Blue Ribbon Task Force reviewed is available on the City's website by clicking here. For a copy of the staff report, click here. For a copy of the Blue Ribbon Task Force presentation, click here.


 

Phase III of Riverway Sports Park Progressing

The City Council approved a $174,537 change order to complete the 1.8 acre Phase IV (former BMX area) and the use of $100,000 of project money to install a new playground in the Phase III project in Riverway Sports Park.

The contractor for Phase III, Forcum/Mackey Construction, provided a quote on the estimated costs to complete the phase IV improvements. The estimated cost to complete the job is $174,537. City staff proposed a change order in this amount to complete the phase IV work, saving the City time and money with a general contractor aleady on-site working on a similar park project.

The projected completion date of Phase III is early October, and improvements will include a large turf area with new trees, a promenade area and special event stage, picnic shelter, park furnishings, landscape and irrigation, storm drain and water lines. To read the staff report, click here.

 

Quality of Life rates high in Survey 

Members of the Citizens Advisory Committee presented the findings of the 2013 Public Opinion Survey to Council Monday night. A total of 359 surveys, up from 342 in 2011, were taken this year at four sites throughout the City. Survey highlights are below.

  • A 16% increase in above average ratings as compared to 2011 for citizens surveyed to rate the overall quality of life. Seventy percent of those survey rated the quality of life as high or very high.
  • Ratings for the City's efforts in providing a safe community rose 8% for high and 7% for very high over 2011.
  • Of those surveyed, 70% rated police services as good to excellent.
  • 88% rated fire services as good to excellent.
  • Road maintenance was rated as the most essential City service besides Police and Fire.

For a copy of the Public Opinion Survey presentation, click here.

 


 

Changes to refuse service coming

Friday residential refuse service for City residents who live south of Highway 198 will change to Wednesday, effective Aug. 7. No other changes are being made other than the day of the week for service.

This change is being made to provide better customer service and schedule Solid Waste employees and workloads more efficiently and cost effectively. The change also makes Holiday service scheduling easier for customers with service days in the latter half of the week.

Beginning the first week in August, have your container normally serviced on Fridays put out no sooner than Tuesday nights after 7 pm and no later than 6 am on Wednesdays in order for it to be serviced on Wednesdays. For more information, call 713-4500.

  


 

 

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City Updates
 
Council approves RFP for consultant to evaluate Solid Waste
 
Nomination papers for Council, School Board now available
 
Building permits up 9% for 2013
 
 
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Upcoming Events
  
Dump On Us
7 am to noon
Saturday, July 20
Corp Yard
 
Donuts & Discussion with Council Member Warren Gubler, Police Chief Mestas
7 am Saturday, Aug. 24
Paneras
 
 
 
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newlogo_sm.gif You can now self-subscribe to receive issues of Inside City Hall, click here. For information, contact Community Relations Manager Nancy Loliva at [email protected] or call (559) 713-4535.
City of Visalia/Administration/Administration
425 E. Oak Street, Suite 301
Visalia, CA 93291
T. 559 713-4535