Council approves fee deferral for senior housing, advances regional sales tax measure
– The Paso Robles City Council met Tuesday evening, continuing a public hearing on a proposed residential development, approving a 30-year fee deferral for an affordable senior housing project, and advancing a potential regional transportation sales tax measure in a split vote.
Before turning to those items, the council moved through all nine items on the consent calendar without discussion, approving each unanimously.
Public hearing continued
A public hearing on a proposed development plan for 24 residential units, including an affordable housing density bonus, a fence-height modification, oak tree removals, and a tract map, was continued to the March 17 meeting. The council opened the hearing for public comment, but no speakers came forward.
Fee deferral for senior affordable housing
The council unanimously approved a 30-year deferral of water connection, sewer connection, development impact, and building permit fees for the Highland’s Senior Affordable Apartments, a proposed project at 298 Niblick Road.
The request was presented as consistent with prior agreements the city has struck with the same developer on four previous affordable housing projects in Paso Robles — Oak Park Phases 3 and 4, Sunrise Villas, and Riverwalk Terrace. In each case, the developer sought the same arrangement: the ability to delay fee payments until units are occupied and revenue is flowing in.
Council members were careful to note the distinction between deferral and forgiveness; the fees will ultimately be paid back, just on a timeline that allows the project to get off the ground. Staff recommended approval, and the council concurred without dissent.
Regional transportation sales tax measure advances
The council’s most contentious debate of the evening centered on whether to endorse the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments’ (SLOCOG) Final Transportation Expenditure Plan, which would place a half-cent sales tax before county voters. If approved by voters, the measure would generate an estimated $2.1 million per year for Paso Robles and roughly $5 million annually for North County as a whole, with funds directed toward regional transportation projects.
Councilmember Fred Strong, who serves as the city’s representative on SLOCOG, made the motion to approve. Councilmember Kris Beal seconded.
But during the discussion, Councilmember Chris Bausch said he was sharply opposed. “I am vehemently opposed to this project,” he said, expressing concern that local dollars would not stay local and that SLOCOG historically has not prioritized Paso Robles in its regional decision-making. “We get skipped over time and time again,” Bausch said.
Mayor John Hamon described himself as torn. While he said he generally opposes new taxes, he acknowledged that the question would ultimately go to voters. “It’s up to the public if they want to do this,” Hamon said, suggesting the council’s role was simply to let residents weigh in at the ballot box.
Councilmember Steve Gregory joined Bausch in voting no. Mayor Hamon, Councilmember Strong, and Councilmember Beal voted in favor, and the motion carried 3-2.
Click here to view the full meeting agenda, with staff reports.
Watch the full meeting, streamed on YouTube, below:
