Depoe Bay urban renewal budget committee reviews FY 2024–25 plan, flags ADA restrooms, sidewalks and a $500,000 contingency

At a meeting of the Depoe Bay Urban Renewal Agency Budget Committee, members reviewed the proposed fiscal year 2024–25 urban renewal budget, discussed pedestrian and accessibility problems along Highway 101, and debated an operating contingency of $500,000 held for waterfront work.

The budget message, read by staff member Kim Wallner, framed the agency’s role and revenue source: “The purpose of the Depoe Bay Urban Renewal Agency is to administer the statutory tax increment revenues …” Wallner said the agency operates under Oregon urban renewal law and the adopted Depoe Bay Urban Renewal Plan, and that tax increment revenues and other receipts will fund proposed projects and transfers.

Committee members focused discussion on three near-term issues: restroom replacements at the harbor, pedestrian and ADA access along Highway 101 (including power poles that sit on sidewalks), and proposed transfers from urban renewal funds to other city funds. Wallner told the committee the proposed budget contains transfers of $100,000 to the street fund, $100,000 to the harbor fund, $20,000 to the city parks fund and $500,000 to be held for waterfront construction and a proposed new water treatment plant. The draft budget also lists a contingency of $500,000 and identifies approximately $252,072 in unappropriated funds while tax and interest estimates are still being finalized.

On restrooms and harbor access, Wallner said the city is ending a lease with Wilson Brothers and has…