What happened
The council approved a $225.4 million city budget for fiscal year 2023-2024 that covers police, fire, parks, roads, and all city services. Three residents urged the council to adopt the budget without changes, while others praised City Manager Shasa Curl and suggested reinstating standing committees for budget oversight. The budget passed unanimously.
The council approved converting the Motel 6 at 425 24th Street into 50 units of permanent housing for chronically homeless residents. Richmond's homeless population has grown from 280 people in 2020 to 487 in 2023. The city will partner with a developer to buy and renovate the motel into apartments with kitchenettes.
A $2,000 contribution to co-sponsor the El Sobrante Stroll community event was approved 4-1, with Robinson voting no and two council members abstaining. The annual event draws 25,000 people to West County each September and serves many Richmond residents who live in El Sobrante Valley.
The council approved extending contracts with 3 law firms and adding $525,000 to defend the city in 18 active lawsuits involving personal injuries, dangerous conditions, and police misconduct. The additional funding will help the firms continue representing the city through ongoing litigation.
Auto-summarized from official minutes and vote records
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