THIS IS AN ARCHIVED NEWS STORY FROM 2020 AND THE CONTENTS OF THIS ARTICLE MAY NO LONGER APPLY. FOR THE LATEST COMMUNITY NEWS CLICK HERE.

The Newcastle City Council has a long night ahead when it comes together for next week's regular meeting on Feb. 4, 2020. The fun kicks off at 5:30 p.m. when the Council will host a joint-meeting with the volunteer Community Activities Commission. This will serve as an opportunity for Commissioners and Councilmembers to meet and mingle before the CAC presents its 2020 work plan.

During the regular meeting, the Newcastle City Council will receive an update on City work to create an Arts and Culture Plan. The work, funded with a 4Culture grant, allows the City to partner with a consultant to explore arts and culture opportunities. Councilmembers will have the chance to decide whether or not this is a priority for the community and if staff should proceed with this project.

The Council will also get a report on a proposal to increase impact fees for Transportation and Parks/Trails. Impact fees are one-time charges assessed by a local government against a new development project to help pay for new or expanded public facilities that will directly address the increased demand for services created by that development. The City has not updated its impact fees since 2014.

Finally, the Council will pick up its discussion regarding strategies to fix the City's operating budget deficit, which is anticipated to eclipse $1 million annually for the foreseeable future. While Councilmembers unanimously acknowledge the City’s projected fiscal gap is real and needs to be addressed, they are still deliberating on how and when to implement action steps. During the last meeting (read the news recap here), the Council explored the possibility of a phased-in approach to a utility tax that would effectively solve the fiscal gap and ensure the City maintains its current level of service.

The City Council did not take any action, but directed staff to bring back answers to their utility tax questions, which is what Councilmembers will review and discuss on Feb. 4. If a utility tax were to be implemented, Councilmembers would first have to direct staff to bring back a utility tax ordinance. All ordinances require a public hearing, so citizens would have an opportunity to comment before any consideration. Please stay tuned to our Council recaps (newcastlewa.gov/councilrecaps) for the latest news and updates on further Council actions.

Prior to the meeting, the Council will meet for a closed executive session at 5 p.m. to review the performance of a public employee. The joint meeting with the CAC will go from 5:30-7 p.m. before the regular meeting begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Chambers at Newcastle City Hall, 12835 Newcastle Way, Suite 200. View the full meeting agenda packet here.

The Newcastle City Council wants to hear from you! Members of the public are invited to share thoughts during public hearings or two open public comment periods at meetings. Regular meetings of the City Council occur on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at City Hall, starting at 7 p.m. You can also email your thoughts to councilmembers. To send a message to the entire council, email [email protected]. Can't make it to a City Council meeting? Read our past recaps at newcastlewa.gov/councilrecaps.