COMO EMPOWERMENT
The council voted to adopt the Como/Sunset Heights Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ) Strategic Plan. The NEZ projects promote the creation or rehabilitation of affordable housing, economic development, and better social services, education and public safety for residents of the designated neighborhoods.
Since late 2014, Como stakeholders have participated in a planning process that included two workshops, seven public meetings, surveys and polling, and 18 advisory committee meetings. The advisory committee, composed of the officers of the Como Neighborhood Advisory Council and other Como residents, helped identify and refine the goals and recommendations of the plan.
ALTERNATE TAX RATE
In its work session, the council heard an informal report concerning public hearings about the alternate proposed property tax rate before adopting the fiscal year 2018 budget.
Public hearings were held on Aug. 29 and Sept. 12 for the original proposed tax rate of $0.8050 per $100 assessed valuation. But at the Sept. 12 meeting, council members voted to consider an alternative proposed tax rate of $0.8150, which would result in a two-cent tax rate reduction rather than the three-cent reduction originally proposed.
The purpose of the additional funding is to help the T expand its bus service.
Public hearings were scheduled for Sept. 22 in a special called meeting and Sept. 26 at the regular council meeting. The council has scheduled a special called meeting for Sept. 29 at 3 p.m. to vote on the proposed budget and alternative tax rate.