Oakley Press_02.10.12

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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

Vol. 12, No. 6

Chamber puts events on hold by Samie Hartley Staff Writer

The Oakley Chamber of Commerce has decided to postpone its annual Almond Festival and Citizen of the Year celebrations to focus on rebuilding its network in 2012. While the Chamber’s signature events are on hiatus, it plans to concentrate on boosting membership and offering more support to the local business community. In the words of a statement posted on the Chamber website, “It is with mixed emotions the Oakley Chamber of Commerce has decided to table the 2012 Almond Festival. We will be joining forces with the City to improve the 2013 Oakley Almond Festival and plan

Press file photo

The Oakley Almond Festival is being put on hold this year due to low attendance in recent years. Chamber of Commerce officials plan to bring the festival back – newly updated and revamped – in 2013. to combine the redevelopment of Main Street with the Almond Festival location.”

Mayor Kevin Romick looks forward to the partnership and hopes to make the festival bet-

ter than ever. “A strong, viable Chamber is critical for the economic development of our community,” Romick posted to his blog. “The year off will give both the Chamber and City ample time to plan for a change in venue, possibly changing the dates, providing parking, changing the parade route, shutting down streets for the event and many other changes that I haven’t thought of. In the fall of 2013 be prepared to experience a new festival.” A date change could greatly aid the 22-year old festival, traditionally scheduled the same September weekend as the Pittsburg Seafood Festival, which draws a large outsee Events page 26A

No sunset on fire tax – for now “ We know there will be an $11 million

by Rick Lemyre Staff Writer

A proposed $197 parcel tax aimed at solving the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District’s financial woes will probably not include a sunset clause, according to a decision this week by the district’s board. After discussing feedback the district has received in a series of meetings to inform the public about the details of the measure proposed for the June ballot, the board chose not to include an automatic end of the tax, an element mentioned by several members of the public. In a 6-3 straw poll vote at its Monday meeting, the board decided to emphasize the annual review already built into the tax rather than add a sunset clause that could leave the district in the same financial shape it is now. Directors Jim Frazier and

deficit in year 11 if the tax goes away. We’ll be right back in the same position we are now, and that’s not viable.

” ECCFPD Director Steve Barr

Kevin Romick of Oakley were joined by Clayton’s Cheryl Morgan in saying they preferred the sunset clause because they’re concerned the tax would not pass without it. Directors Pat Anderson (Oakley), Joel Bryant, Steve Barr, Erick Stonebarger and Bob Brockman (Brentwood) and Robert Kenny (Bethel Island) opposed the sunset clause. “We know there will be an $11 million deficit in year 11 if the tax goes away,” said Director Steve Barr of Brentwood. “We’ll be right back in the same position we are now, and that’s not

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viable.” Frazier, however, believes that should the tax not pass, the viability deficiency would kick in when district reserves are exhausted in June. He said the sunset clause had been a priority for attendees at the two Oakley community meetings he had attended, and doubted that an open-ended tax would garner the two-thirds majority needed for passage. He preferred that the tax automatically end after 10 years, and that the district go back to the voters to either extend or retract the levy.

Romick agreed, saying, “If we (the district board) are doing our jobs, the public will be able to see that.” The decision came as the board modified the tax plan according to additional input gathered at community meetings. The tax will now increase annually by a maximum of 3 percent or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower (it had been at 5 percent). The board also examined the district’s finances through a 10-year window. Earlier models had been limited to five years due to economic uncertainties, especially the recovery of property values whose recent plunge has left the ECCFPD more than $2 million short each year. Also added into the equation is the full cost of replacing equipment and other capital improvement costs such as station see Sunset page 26A

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February 10, 2012

Wealth watch

Our Money Matters section offers insights on how to cultivate and keep your hardearned cash. Page 1B

Drive to save lives A Scout’s mother’s courage and humanity motivates him to enlist organ donors. Page 4A

On the dotted line

A Freedom soccer star recently signed her letter of intent to take her talents to Humboldt State. Page 21A Calendar ............................ 23B Classifieds ......................... 17B Cop Logs ............................ 22B Entertainment ................. 23B Food .................................... 12B Health & Beauty ..............16A Milestones ........................12A Money Matters .................. 1B Opinion ..............................18A Sports .................................19A FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A

Cookie monsters Winning wardrobe Heart’s content go to news/WebExtras!

The Girl Scouts are celebrating their 100th birthday with a new treat.

go to news/press releases A clothing drive will help women receive professional business attire.

go to multimedia/videos

Zumbamaniacs broke a sweat and boosted funds for women’s health.


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