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Astoria debates using Fund 140 to help Consejo Hispano cover $72,000 in system development charges
Summary
City staff recommended using a one-time special fund to assist Consejo Hispano with about $72,000 in system development charges tied to a proposed downtown church purchase; council scheduled a possible special meeting to decide before the group's March 4 closing deadline.
City Manager Spence on Feb. 18 asked the Astoria City Council to consider using a one-time fund to help Consejo Hispano cover an estimated $72,000 in system development charges tied to the nonprofit’s proposed purchase of the former First Lutheran Church downtown.
Spence told council the fee estimate reflected a change of use for the 15,500-square-foot structure and that Fund 140—created from prior reimbursements the city set aside—holds roughly $749,000. “These are one-time revenues,” Spence said, describing Fund 140 as an appropriate source for a one-time support request and noting he had discussed the concept with the city attorney and finance director. He said staff could prepare a resolution and budget language for council consideration as soon as Thursday.
Norma Hernandez, an executive with the organization, described 20 years of community work and urged support to secure a permanent downtown location. “We are Astorians,” Hernandez said. “We want to belong and we want to do it.”
Councilors asked whether paying the charge with city funds would set an undesirable precedent and whether there are audit or legal implications. Spence said legal staff have not identified a legal barrier and that council can revisit decisions in future meetings; Councilor Adams urged caution but expressed support for the mission of the organization. Councilor Mozzarella and others asked about the closing deadline; staff said the group needs a decision to close by March 4.
Council directed staff to pursue options and tentatively scheduled a special meeting for Thursday at 6:00 p.m. (or, if necessary, prior to the Feb. 24 work session) so council can consider a resolution and budget authorization before the closing deadline.
Next steps: staff will prepare a proposed resolution and budget detail for council consideration at the special meeting; councilors may vote to approve the requested assistance or decline to reallocate Fund 140 funds.
