Imani Center permit request met with council unwillingness to waive SDCs; members suggest deferral and follow-up after budget

The Imani Center asked the St. Helens City Council for help covering system development charges (SDCs) and permit-related costs for planned work. Councilors said the city is not in a position to grant a full waiver now but discussed options including state-authorized payment plans, partial deferrals and returning to the request after the budget season.

Councilors praised the Imani Center's community work but said the city must be fiscally conservative amid looming budget cuts. One councilor noted that Oregon state law requires cities to offer payment plans for SDCs, which may provide some relief but likely would not fully cover the center's needs.

Council discussion produced no formal waiver or financial commitment. Several councilors suggested the Imani Center pursue creative fundraising, connect with local event opportunities to generate revenue and return to the council after budget adoption. Beth Julio of the Imani Center provided written feedback that she had paid the permit fee that day and would continue advancing the project: “I did go ahead and pay our permit fee today, and we're working toward advancing the project.”

Councilors said they would be upfront with the Imani Center about the city's constraints and encouraged staff to work with the applicant on timing and possible options; no binding council authorization of financial assistance was made.