Tuesday, March 8, 2011

The council certified environmental review for the Point Molate casino and resort project proposed by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The project would include a casino, hotel, and shopping complex near the Richmond Bridge. The measure passed 4-1, with Mayor McLaughlin voting no.

The council declared a fiscal emergency to fast-track a 0.5% sales tax increase onto the June 2011 ballot. The emergency declaration allows the city to bypass normal timeline requirements for ballot measures. The council also introduced the law creating the half-cent sales tax that voters will decide on.

The council scheduled an advisory election asking voters how to spend the new sales tax revenue if approved. Half would restore city services for low-income residents that were cut due to state budget reductions. The other half would fund additional city priorities to be determined by voters.