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Soledad council approves purchase of condo for workforce housing
Summary
The council approved Resolution No. 6197 authorizing purchase of a one‑bedroom unit at 860 Morris Circle for $339,990 to house municipal employees on a prioritized, rent‑paying basis; council described the purchase as a modest, immediate step to address recruitment and retention challenges.
The Soledad City Council on Feb. 19 approved Resolution No. 6197 authorizing the city manager to execute a purchase agreement for a one‑bedroom condominium at 860 Morris Circle for $339,990 to be held as workforce housing for city employees.
City Manager Megan told the council that the city has struggled to recruit and retain staff — citing six current vacancies in the police department — and that housing scarcity in South County has limited options for essential employees. The council directed staff to develop a rental policy that would prioritize city employees for the unit and then open occupancy to moderate‑income residents if no qualified employee tenants are available.
Megan said the city originally hoped to secure units through a school‑district workforce project but that most units in competing developments have sold quickly. The city’s purchase would be a market‑rate purchase; occupants would pay rent rather than receive a subsidy.
Council approved the purchase by voice vote. The council and staff said the purchase is a stop‑gap measure to help with recruitment and retention while the city continues longer‑term housing planning.
Ending: Staff will return with a rental policy for the unit and next steps for managing the property and tenancy prioritization.
