Sentinel staff report–
Citrus Heights Mayor Jeff Slowey kicked off a 45-minute virtual “State of the City” event on Tuesday night with highlights of the year, including the city’s COVID-19 response and efforts to address budget issues.
In a month-by-month summary of 2020 so far, Slowey noted the city’s emergency declaration in March amid the spread of the coronavirus, along with passage of a temporary outdoor dining ordinance and the launching a “Love Local” campaign to encourage supporting businesses in Citrus Heights.
Slowey also highlighted progress on the Sunrise Tomorrow vision to reimagine the aging Sunrise Mall and welcomed the recent openings of Chando’s Tacos and Hobby Lobby. He also noted the council in July voted 4-1 to place Measure M on the ballot, “with the goal of funding Citrus Heights projects.”
From Sept: Green Acres planning new location in Citrus Heights
Slowey’s speech was followed by a several-minute recorded video with comments from city staff.
Boyd then addressed the city’s process of adopting three-year goals and setting six-month strategic objectives. The city’s three-year goals are to maintain fiscal stability, improve streets and infrastructure, diversify for a changing economy, enhance and expand public safety, and improve community vibrancy and engagement.
The city manager zeroed in on economic development, highlighting a vision for Sunrise Mall that includes office, retail and restaurants, along with two hotels and over 1,100 residential units. The development of a Specific Plan to guide development at the mall is currently in the Environmental Impact Report stage.
From March: Preferred plan for future Sunrise Mall area includes hotel, 800+ residential units
“Revitalizing our mall site will create a economic engine, helping to secure our city’s future,” said Boyd. “But most importantly these efforts will create a new heart for Citrus Heights and reestablish the area as the destination for families to gather, shop, work and play.”
Boyd also highlighted a similar vision for Sylvan Corners, which the city purchased and hopes to sell to a developer.
From June: Concept designs for Sylvan Corners show room for housing, restaurant plaza
Noting funding concerns even before COVID-19, the city manager said leaders have always known there would be a time when the city budget would be “very tight” and said the city saved over $1 million during the last fiscal year, which was largely through a hiring freeze on unfilled positions.
Boyd and Slowey both appeared to be using a teleprompter, with each sticking to a tight script. Viewers tuning in via Zoom were able to participate in several live polls during the event, and a video with community members’ perspectives on the city was shown featuring Michael Retzlaff, Cara Richey, Caryl Balko, Kevin Miles, and Amanda Camacho.
Police Chief Ron Lawrence also took to the podium at City Hall during the broadcast and said during the pandemic his officers have focused on education rather than enforcement, along with helping pass out thousands of free masks to local businesses. He also highlighted the Police Department’s “pathways” programs, such as Explorers, which he said have led directly to hiring.
Lawrence said in the past four years the police department has “reduced the overall crime rate in Citrus Heights by an amazing 18 percent,” with last year seeing the “lowest crime rate since the department’s inception.”
Lawrence said the department has had to cut back on several initiatives due to budget constraints and hinted at a need for more funding to maintain services.
The Sentinel reached out on Wednesday to each of the four candidates running for a seat on the City Council this year for an opportunity to respond to the State of the City address. Only one candidate responded by press time Thursday morning.
“It is amazing that we have been able to accomplish so much, especially in the area of reduced crime, with resources being limited,” said Councilman Bret Daniels, who is running for the newly created District 1 seat. “It also demonstrated what we can accomplish by simply continuing to tighten our belt until we begin receiving another $6 million a year in property taxes in 2022.”
Daniels was the only sitting member of the council to vote to oppose Measure M. Nicole Castor, the other candidate running for the District 1 seat, is also opposed to Measure M.
The measure is a proposed one-cent-per-dollar sales tax increase which, if passed, would raise an estimated $12 million per year and bring the sales tax rate in Citrus Heights to 8.75%, up from the current 7.75%.
Proponents say the city is in need of additional revenue to maintain local control and fund city services, citing a drop in sales tax revenue and demand from residents for services. Opponents say the city has mismanaged funds and can wait until an additional $5-6 million in property tax revenues come to the city in fiscal year 2022-23, following the expiration of a 25-year “revenue neutrality” agreement with the county that was a condition of Citrus Heights becoming a city in 1997.
Mayor Slowey wrapped up Tuesday’s broadcast by urging residents to vote and noted that Measure M and two City Council district elections are on this year’s ballot. He also noted he is retiring from the City Council this year, after serving on the council since 2003.
“My hope is that everyone who has watched tonight’s broadcast will feel called to join city officials and staff by sharing your voice, getting involved and connecting with us,” said Slowey. “That would be a wonderful legacy for me to leave.”
A recording of the State of the City address can be viewed on YouTube. (see video)
