Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Woodland public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in taxes budget
FY 2026/27 Budget Health
The city closed last fiscal year $5.4 million ahead on general fund revenue, though much of it was one-time Waste Management money. Reserves sit at $18.9 million, and the first quarter of the new year looks normal.
CDBG-funded community services
Federal grant dollars helped more than 1,300 households last year — meals for seniors, emergency shelter for 148 people, food boxes for 75 households monthly, children's therapy, and fair-housing help.
CDBG funding for ADA ramps and local nonprofits
About $443,000 in federal money goes mostly to 13 ADA curb ramps on priority routes, plus full funding for the Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Children's Therapy Center and Legal Services. A council member noted federal proposals could cut the program to zero.
Shadow Inn unpaid transient occupancy tax and fraud penalty
The Best Western Shadow Inn's owner collected hotel taxes from guests but hasn't paid the city since October 2023 — now owing over $1.08 million including penalties. That's money meant for city services and tourism promotion, and the council decided the fraud penalty applies.
Building permit fee overhaul
First update to building fees since 2008, aiming for 100% cost recovery with phased increases and a new tech fee that will finally allow credit card and online permit payments. Builders and homeowners doing remodels will pay more starting October 1.
One-Year Labor Agreements with City Unions
The side letter amending the firefighters' MOU was pulled from consent and pushed to a future meeting while the union completes its ratification vote.
Annual lighting and landscaping assessments
Fourteen resolutions started the annual levy process for Gibson Ranch, West Wood, North Park, Spring Lake, Gateway, and Streng Pond districts — a public hearing where property owners can object is set for July 21.
Measure F and Measure R spending plans
The half-cent and quarter-cent sales taxes fund parks, roads, police, fire, library hours, and utility assistance — and both sunset in about 4.5 years after revenue downgrades forced scaled-back plans.