FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 12, 2024 WILLOWS CITY COUNCIL APPROVES PLACING 1.5% SALES TAX MEASURE ON NOVEMBER 2024 BALLOT (Willows, CA) – On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, the Willows City Council approved placing a 1.5% sales tax on the November 2024 ballot. After months of deliberation regarding the City’s fiscal crisis, the ballot measure sailed through to approval with a 4-1 vote and little fanfare. “It’s the right thing to do. Every other jurisdiction in the region has done the same thing. It’s the only way to ensure the future of our core city services – police, fire and public works,” commented Mayor Gary Hansen. For years, City revenues have barely kept pace with expenditures as staffing levels have plummeted, roads and infrastructure have declined, failing Fire apparatus and equipment present a public health and safety risk, Public Works vehicles scarcely comply with State mandates, and quality of life services such as recreation and the library operate on shoestring budgets. When asked to comment, Vice-Mayor Evan Hutson said, “My goal is for this and future city councils to pave a path forward for a better Willows for our neighbors, families, and youth. This measure, along with an action plan and open forum for all citizens to participate in, provides that opportunity.” In Fiscal Year 2022-23, the Willows City Council voted to reinstate previously vacated positions that were not filled due to the City’s budgetary problems bringing the City back from 12 full-time employees to minimum staffing levels of 18 full-time employees. In Fiscal Year 2023-24, the City’s law enforcement contract with the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office jumped by nearly $400,000 in one year. These additional expenses require approximately $820,000 of General Fund Reserves per year. “The City needs a stable revenue source for the needs of the people. For example, the City swimming pool repairs were not for a lack of desire, but a lack of funding,” commented Councilmember Rick Thomas. By the end of Fiscal Year 2024-25 and in the absence of new revenue, the City anticipates that approximately $50,000 will remain in the General Fund Reserve or less than 1% of the total General Fund. “It’s crucial to the City’s future to fix its ongoing deficit and rebuild General Fund Reserves. And there is no way to do that in the next 15 months without a sales tax measure,” stated Marti Brown, City Manager. ###
About us
The historic City of Willows, CA is now seeking a Community Development Technician to coordinate and track Building, Planning and Encroachment permits, as well as Code Enforcement Complaints. Along with other City staff, jointly provide customer service to the public via the counter, phones and email, as well as partnering agencies (e.g., Glenn County). Knowledge of the Building and Planning permitting process preferred.
- Website
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http://www.cityofwillows.org
External link for City of Willows
- Industry
- Government Administration
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Headquarters
- Willows, CA
- Type
- Government Agency
- Founded
- 1886
Locations
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Primary
201 North Lassen Street
Willows, CA 95901, US
Employees at City of Willows
Updates
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We're #hiring! The City of Willows is hiring a Finance & Human Resources Specialist. Primary duties include accounts payable, payroll and business licensing. The salary range is: $47,052 to $57,336 annually. For more information, review the attached job flyer and description and visit the City's website: www.cityofwillows.org.