Latest news with #Councilors
CBC
18-07-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Victoria, Saanich to work on amalgamation question for next municipal election
In Vancouver Island, there are calls for two cities to join together. Councilors in Victoria have paved the way for a referendum on amalgamation with the district of Saanich.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Bill is being paid': Lake Arrowhead residents express frustration as city raises rent
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — Wichita Falls City Councilors decided to increase the rates for lots at Lakes Arrowhead and Kickapoo. It was a decision almost a year in the making. Arrowhead residents will see a 30% increase, while Kickapoo residents will see a 10% increase. 'Homeless Lives Matter' provides housing in Wichita Falls during cold weather 'I feel like it will set a bad precedent, a reckless disregard for the contractual obligations of all parties to the lease agreements.' Lake Arrowhead resident Lisa McLachlan said. Mclachlan told councilors setting rate increases outside the five years according to their contract. 'I respectfully request that you declare this item was placed on the agenda in error and will be considered at the appropriate time in 2029,' McLachlan said. City Attorney Kenley Hegglund said the city still has the right to decide. 'It's not an exclusive date,' Hegglund said. '[Just] because we didn't act last year does not mean that we cannot act this year. But if we do go forward today, we have to wait five years before we can rent increase again.' Like last year, people raised the question of the council's lack of representation and the little support provided by the city. Stacey Darnell points out that paying more for the annual lease is free than property taxes in Clay County. 'I pay more and get nothing. No first responder services, no trash services, no sewer services, no water services. Nothing,' Darnell said. 'Your posted budget showed $180,000 was spent at Lake Arrowhead when $440,000 was received in lease fees,' Darnell said. The money collected is placed into the general fund. Mayor Tim Short reminds them: 'It's a business for profit'. He calls the lots an asset for the community. 'We owe to the citizens of Wichita Falls who do get a vote. Who are the ones who vote to put the people up here to make the decision as to what to do with one of our biggest assets.' Short said. Full-time Lake resident Tim Sheppard questions the raise if city costs have not risen, even mentioning inflation impacting consumers. 'Eggs, milk, God knows what else. But the city is doing just fine. Taking care of what they take care of out there,' Sheppard said. 'I really see no reason to increase our costs at this point if the bill is being paid now.' Sheppard said he hopes to purchase his two lots before the raise takes effect. 'An extra $300 a year is going to hurt. It's going to hurt everybody, especially a lot of the folks on the fixed income out there,' Sheppard said. Those rate increases take effect in June, according to Short. The city is still getting appraisal work done, so lots will be at fair market value if homeowners decide to purchase the land. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
