The 3 Island Safe Neighborhood District board of directors voted to amend the district’s adopted budget on Nov. 5 after contractor bids for the improvement project came in higher than anticipated.

Natasha Mazze, budget and program monitoring director, told the board: “So the total cost of the 3 islands project, I believe, is 5,400,000.0. 1,100,000.0 is coming from 3 islands fund balance reserves. The gap is 834,000, which will be covered by the general fund.” Mazze said the general-fund amendment will appear on the city commission agenda for formal action.

The board discussed why the budget increase was necessary. A vice chair asked why the budget had risen by roughly $1.1 million; staff explained that bid prices returned above the city’s earlier estimates. Staff also said the bid prices, once accepted, will lock the contractor’s price unless unforeseen site conditions arise.

The board recorded a motion and a second and approved the resolution by roll call, 4–0, with one director absent. The meeting record shows Chair Cooper, Vice Chair Laszlo, Director Adams and Director Lee Matau voting yes; Director Butler was absent.

Finance staff also briefed the board on billing and early-payment options for property owners assessed for the project. Finance director Gio Nasty said the city is offering an early-payment option that historically required action before Nov. 7 but that staff would be flexible, invoicing early-payment requests manually and extending that courtesy through March. “So right now for the early payment option…we're manually invoicing them and sending it to them, but we're also being flexible,” Nasty said.

Board members pressed staff on outreach and clarity for residents. Members suggested sending a notice (distinct from a bill) explaining how to save on interest, including the dollar amount and a tear-off payment form, and providing translations for the large Russian-speaking population in the 3 Islands area. Staff said the mailing and invoice — which will include FAQs and a payment form — will go to roughly 3,800 residents and could be mailed as early as next week; board members requested to review the mailing copy before distribution.

No other formal actions were recorded at the meeting. The board adjourned following the outreach discussion.

Votes at a glance: Resolution to amend the 2024–25 budget for the 3 Island Safe Neighborhood District — Passed, 4–0 (Director Butler absent).