Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Presiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 6:37 p.m. · 2 items · 4 votes · 9 public comments
What happened
- Approved 5-year employment agreement with Carlos Martinez as City Manager 5-2 (Beckles, Willis dissenting).
- Approved ballot measure to change real estate transfer tax with tiered rates.
- Approved putting $3,000-$6,000 annual tax on vacant properties before voters in November.
Auto-generated summary from agenda items and vote records
View official: MinutesAttendance
Personnel(1 item)
Approve 5-year employment agreement with Carlos Martinez as City Manager
In Plain English
The city needs to hire a new City Manager to run day-to-day operations. Martinez would earn $260,000 per year in base salary, with total compensation around $358,000 including benefits. If approved, his 5-year contract starts November 1, 2018.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve employment agreement with Carlos Martinez as Richmond City Manager
5 to 2
Budget(2 items)
Submit ballot measure to change real estate transfer tax with tiered rates
In Plain English
The city currently charges a flat tax when properties are sold. This ballot measure would create different tax rates based on property value, with higher rates for expensive properties. If approved by voters in November, the city collects more revenue from luxury home sales while keeping rates lower for modest properties.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 71-18
7 to 0
Put $3,000-$6,000 annual tax on vacant properties before voters in November
In Plain English
The city wants voters to decide on a new tax targeting empty lots and buildings. Developed vacant properties pay $3,000 per year while undeveloped parcels pay $6,000 annually. If approved, the tax raises $5.4 million yearly for 20 years to fund homeless services, housing programs, and cleanup of blighted areas.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 72-18
7 to 0