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.

Can't make it to a City Council meeting? Read our past recaps at newcastlewa.gov/councilrecaps.

The Newcastle City Council will meet with the Planning Commission, continue discussing solutions to secure Newcastle's fiscal future and more at the Feb. 18 meeting. It kicks off at 5:30 p.m. when the Council will host a joint-meeting with the volunteer Planning Commission. This will serve as an opportunity for Commissioners and Councilmembers to meet and mingle before the Commission presents its 2020 work plan.

During the regular meeting, the Council will consider an ordinance regarding development standards along Lake Boren's waterfront. They'll also consider adoption of an implementation plan that would successfully resolve the City's current operating budget deficit, which is anticipated to eclipse $1 million annually for the foreseeable future. The proposed plan includes a combination of cuts, cost recovery and the addition of a utility tax, with timelines for implementation.

Please note that adoption of this Fiscal Sustainability Implementation Action Plan, which is slated for consideration at this meeting, is NOT the adoption of a utility tax. If a utility tax were to be implemented, Councilmembers must first 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 City 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 Planning Commission 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].