February will be busy month for council
February’s municipal agenda is full of important discussions and potential decision-making by City Council members, whose actions on these key items will affect Yorba Linda’s immediate and far-into-the-future identity.
First is a looming debate among council members on the city’s substantial reserves, which is money leftover after all revenues are collected and expenses are subtracted.
City policy is to keep about 50 percent of an annual operating budget in reserve for emergency or other unforeseen circumstances. Using round numbers, the near $30 million annual budget should leave about $15 million in reserve.
However, Yorba Linda has a $36 million reserve and forecasts adding more by the end of the 2008-2009 fiscal year.
At a November council meeting, Councilman Hank Wedaa called for using some of the reserves for current needs, while Councilman Allen Castellano suggested increasing the reserve policy beyond the 50 percent level.
Mayor Jim Winder and Councilman Jan Horton appeared to agree more with Castellano than Wedaa on the matter, and Councilman John Anderson proposed investigating what amount is needed for an adequate reserve fund.
As a result, Finance Director Susan Hartman was asked to present a report on future revenues and expenses in February, so discussion on the issue will wisely begin with reliable numbers.
Second is the Town Center Blue Ribbon Committee’s report to the council on guidelines and recommendations for development in the Old Town area. The 24-member group has spent 18 months creating a consensus document to be presented in February.
Two members, Castellano and Winder, remain from the past council that favored the controversial high-density plan fashioned by the unlamented Old Town Yorba Linda Partners development firm.
Anderson and Horton opposed OTYLP’s proposal before their 2006 election to the council, and Wedaa also found fault with the plan before his 2007 campaign win.
A third important matter to come before the council in February or soon after is the status of the many Redevelopment Agency-owned properties in Old Town.
Council called for a report on remediating the former residences and businesses for aesthetics and safety and also on the possible rental or other uses of the boarded-up structures.
A FINAL NOTE
Only three people spoke at a recent Yorba Linda Water District public hearing on rate increases for some 23,387 water connections in Yorba Linda and nearby service areas.
Directors increased the cost of 100 cubic feet of water (748 gallons) from $1.71 to $1.79 and boosted the monthly service charge from $7.92 to $8.35. The average customer uses 2,800 cubic feet of water per month, according to officials.
A resolution approving the rate hike also allows directors to “consider” passing along increases, credits or reductions from five other agencies billing the district.
First is a looming debate among council members on the city’s substantial reserves, which is money leftover after all revenues are collected and expenses are subtracted.
City policy is to keep about 50 percent of an annual operating budget in reserve for emergency or other unforeseen circumstances. Using round numbers, the near $30 million annual budget should leave about $15 million in reserve.
However, Yorba Linda has a $36 million reserve and forecasts adding more by the end of the 2008-2009 fiscal year.
At a November council meeting, Councilman Hank Wedaa called for using some of the reserves for current needs, while Councilman Allen Castellano suggested increasing the reserve policy beyond the 50 percent level.
Mayor Jim Winder and Councilman Jan Horton appeared to agree more with Castellano than Wedaa on the matter, and Councilman John Anderson proposed investigating what amount is needed for an adequate reserve fund.
As a result, Finance Director Susan Hartman was asked to present a report on future revenues and expenses in February, so discussion on the issue will wisely begin with reliable numbers.
Second is the Town Center Blue Ribbon Committee’s report to the council on guidelines and recommendations for development in the Old Town area. The 24-member group has spent 18 months creating a consensus document to be presented in February.
Two members, Castellano and Winder, remain from the past council that favored the controversial high-density plan fashioned by the unlamented Old Town Yorba Linda Partners development firm.
Anderson and Horton opposed OTYLP’s proposal before their 2006 election to the council, and Wedaa also found fault with the plan before his 2007 campaign win.
A third important matter to come before the council in February or soon after is the status of the many Redevelopment Agency-owned properties in Old Town.
Council called for a report on remediating the former residences and businesses for aesthetics and safety and also on the possible rental or other uses of the boarded-up structures.
A FINAL NOTE
Only three people spoke at a recent Yorba Linda Water District public hearing on rate increases for some 23,387 water connections in Yorba Linda and nearby service areas.
Directors increased the cost of 100 cubic feet of water (748 gallons) from $1.71 to $1.79 and boosted the monthly service charge from $7.92 to $8.35. The average customer uses 2,800 cubic feet of water per month, according to officials.
A resolution approving the rate hike also allows directors to “consider” passing along increases, credits or reductions from five other agencies billing the district.
posted by Jim Drummond at 12:00 PM
<< Home