Staff reports: flood mitigation open house turnout, and proposed budget boosts abatement line to about $25,000
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Summary
Commissioners heard staff reports that a flood mitigation task force open house drew more than 30 residents and that the proposed city budget raises the substandard-structure abatement line from about $12,000 to roughly $25,000 for the coming fiscal year.
During staff reports at the Aug. 28 meeting, city staff said a flood mitigation task force open house earlier this month drew more than 30 residents and generated a “lively discussion” on long-standing flood concerns.
Commissioners thanked Nathan Wesley for joining the flood mitigation task force. In a separate budget update, staff said the proposed fiscal-year budget (the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1) increases the line item for substandard-structure abatement to about $25,000 from roughly $12,000 in the prior year to allow the city to address multiple abatement needs.
Staff explained the abatement budget must cover demolition, mowing and related enforcement costs; some additional padding was included in the proposed line item to handle unexpected issues (staff said the city can do two demolitions under the proposed level and have funds left over). The staff presentation noted abatement and demolition work can extend into the next fiscal year because of notice, utility disconnects and other procedural requirements.
Commissioners asked for the specific line-item number and whether taxes on affected properties are current; staff said they would follow up with precise tax and budget-line information. Staff also reported a recent case in which an abated beehive was taken to a rehabilitation farm and would be released back to the wild.
The commission took no direct formal action on the budget at the meeting; staff said the city council is expected to take final budget action on or around Sept. 15.