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Orleans Select Board Votes Against Recommending $450,000 for Community Center, Places Article on November Warrant

Orleans Select Board Votes Against Recommending $450,000 for Community Center, Places Article on November Warrant

The Orleans Select Board has voted 3-2 against recommending $450,000 in additional capital funding for the community center at 44 Main St., despite agreeing to place the article on the November special town meeting warrant. The request aims to reinvigorate stalled discussions about the future of the community center building. Board member Mark Mathison expressed reservations about the spending, citing anticipated millions of dollars needed for maintaining existing town buildings and facilities in the coming years. Another board member, Galligan, stated unease with the proposal moving forward with any hopes or intentions attached, specifically regarding housing, as he is no longer certain that is how the building should be developed. The decision to put the article on the warrant will allow voters to prioritize the community center project among other town capital needs, which Galligan believes will inform future conversations.

Baltimore City Council Considers $8.5 Million Buyback of Properties Previously Sold for $175,000 for Homeless Housing

Baltimore City Council Considers $8.5 Million Buyback of Properties Previously Sold for $175,000 for Homeless Housing

Baltimore officials are considering an $8.57 million proposal to buy back a block of properties on N. Howard Street that the city previously sold for $175,000. The properties, currently operating as the market-rate Howard Row Apartments, would be converted into 52 units of bridge housing for homeless families transitioning to long-term subsidized housing. The buildings are owned by companies linked to the Columbia-based Poverni Sheikh Group, which renovated them starting in 2018. The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services plans to make units available as current tenants move out. The Baltimore spending board was scheduled to consider the purchase this week but deferred the vote until October 21 at the request of City Administrator Faith Leach. Councilman Zac Blanchard and Otis Rolley, president and CEO of the Baltimore Development Corp., have raised concerns about the purchase price and the location of the housing in a historically disinvested commercial corridor.

Architects Provide Update on Potential Pocatello City Hall Relocation, Cost Estimate Expected Soon

Architects Provide Update on Potential Pocatello City Hall Relocation, Cost Estimate Expected Soon

Architects have provided an update on the potential relocation of Pocatello City Hall. The project involves assessing the feasibility and costs associated with moving the city's administrative hub. A detailed cost estimate for this potential move is anticipated to be delivered in approximately two weeks. This update is part of an ongoing process to evaluate the best options for City Hall's future location, considering various factors such as operational efficiency, public accessibility, and long-term urban planning goals. The discussions surrounding this potential move indicate a comprehensive review of the city's infrastructure needs and how best to serve its residents.

Palm Beach Post

I voted to raise my city's millage rate. Here's why. | Opinion

I voted to raise my city's millage rate. Here's why. | Opinion

Leadership is not about always having the answer. It is about being willing to ask questions, follow the facts, and explaining your decision.

Ketchum City Administrator Jade Riley to Depart, Finance Director Brent Davis Named Interim

Ketchum City Administrator Jade Riley to Depart, Finance Director Brent Davis Named Interim

Ketchum City Administrator Jade Riley is set to leave his position in early November to become the chief of staff at the College of Western Idaho (CWI). Riley has served as city administrator for over six years, having been hired by the City Council in September 2020. During his tenure, he oversaw significant projects including the completion of the new Ketchum Fire Station, the relocation of City Hall, the establishment of a dedicated housing department with ongoing funding through a local option tax, and major infrastructure upgrades such as the reconstruction of Main Street and Sun Valley Road, and a $37 million renovation of the wastewater treatment facility. Following Riley's departure, Brent Davis, the city's director of finance, will assume the role of interim city administrator. Mayor Pete Prekeges expressed gratitude for Riley's leadership and confidence in Davis's ability to maintain continuity, citing Davis's deep understanding of Ketchum's operations, finances, and organizational priorities.

Pocatello City Council Approves Partnership Agreement with Idaho State University

Pocatello City Council Approves Partnership Agreement with Idaho State University

The Pocatello City Council has officially approved the Bengal Community Partnership Agreement, formalizing a commitment between the City of Pocatello and Idaho State University (ISU) to collaborate and work together. This agreement aims to strengthen the existing relationship between the city and the university, emphasizing a shared purpose and mutual support for the Pocatello community. Mayor Mark Dahlquist highlighted that ISU is an integral part of the community, and its success is directly linked to the success of Pocatello. The partnership builds upon a history of joint initiatives designed to connect students and community members, enhance campus-community ties, and create opportunities for collaboration and service. Both entities expressed enthusiasm for continuing to build on this partnership to foster a strong, connected, and thriving community.

Detroit Free Press

Police, fire millages back on Oakland ballot with cuts after tax revolt

Police, fire millages back on Oakland ballot with cuts after tax revolt

Voters in August shot down multiple public safety millages, leaving police and fire funding at risk. The proposals are back, some with cuts.

Mount Pleasant Voters to Decide on Consumers Energy Easement Affecting Local Parks and Cemetery

Mount Pleasant Voters to Decide on Consumers Energy Easement Affecting Local Parks and Cemetery

Voters in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, are set to decide on a ballot proposition concerning a permanent utility easement for Consumers Energy. This easement would allow the company to relocate, construct, operate, and maintain low-voltage and high-voltage electric lines, as well as manage vegetation, across portions of Nelson Park, Riverside Cemetery, and Mill Pond Park. The proposed easement would extend approximately 80 feet into Nelson Park and Riverside Cemetery and 40 feet into the northern part of Mill Pond Park. The City of Mount Pleasant requested Consumers Energy to relocate an existing low-voltage line to facilitate the city’s West Broadway pathway project. In response, Consumers Energy requested these easement and vegetation management rights. If the proposal is rejected by voters, the City of Mount Pleasant indicates that Consumers Energy might pursue other options, including condemnation proceedings. Consumers Energy states that a low-voltage distribution line already exists along this route and ...

Detroit Free Press

Wyandotte officials fight citizen drive to move water to regional authority

Wyandotte officials fight citizen drive to move water to regional authority

Moving Wyandotte water system to regional Great Lakes Water Authority control after serious violations "would be a grave error," city officials said.

The Columbus Dispatch

Zoning change for Worthington's I Am Boundless housing project to appear on 2027 ballots

Zoning change for Worthington's I Am Boundless housing project to appear on 2027 ballots

Worthington voters will decide in November 2027 whether to approve or disapprove City Council's zoning decision to allow a new housing development.

Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates Absent from Critical Budget Hearing Amidst $27 Million Deficit

Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates Absent from Critical Budget Hearing Amidst $27 Million Deficit

Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates did not attend a scheduled budget hearing on Tuesday, intended to discuss and dissect the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office 2027 budget. This absence has drawn strong criticism from Lucas County commissioners, who are grappling with a projected $27 million deficit for the upcoming year. The commissioners had requested a 13% budget cut across all county departments as part of their efforts to address the financial shortfall. Prosecutor Bates previously sent a letter to the commissioners, deeming the proposed cuts 'legally impermissible' and questioning which crimes would be deprioritized for prosecution if the cuts were implemented. Commissioners expressed frustration over Bates's absence, stating it prevented a transparent public discussion about taxpayer dollars. They highlighted that they had already cut their own budget by 16% and expected other departments to follow suit. Commissioner Lisa Sobecki called the situation 'despicable,' while Commissioner Pete Gerken criti...

Fox Chase City Council Approves Paving Contract for Tally Ho Drive

Fox Chase City Council Approves Paving Contract for Tally Ho Drive

The Fox Chase City Council has approved a bid from Flynn Brothers for the milling and resurfacing of Tally Ho Drive. The company submitted the lowest bid at $24,500, which includes milling the existing surface and installing 1.5 inches of asphalt. Mayor Owen Taylor confirmed that a representative from Flynn Brothers inspected the street to assess the issues. Other bids received were from Southern Contracting at $31,314.90 and Louisville Paving at $50,400. Councilman Ed Berger abstained from the vote, and David Selby was not present. The paving work is anticipated to commence in October due to the contractor's current workload.