Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Astoria public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
Department head purchasing authority increase
Ordinance 26-09 would let department heads approve purchases up to $10,000 without City Manager sign-off, up from $7,500, and would raise the small procurement threshold to match the state's $25,000 limit. City staff say costs have risen and dozens of purchases fall in this range each year.
Astoria Municipal Code modernization, Phase 1
Staff proposed 10 code amendments, from raising the department-head purchase limit to $10,000 to repealing obsolete licenses for pinball machines and drive-in restaurants. Bigger policy items include making liquor licenses administrative and replacing the general occupation tax with a business license program by July 2027.
Three-Year Contract and Raises for Public Works Staff
Public Works employees represented by Teamsters Local 58 get a three-year deal with raises every year, better on-call pay, an extra eight hours of personal leave for three-year employees, and city-provided uniforms. Wage costs flow into the city budget already adopted.
Special assessment program for historic commercial properties
Three commercial property owners applied to the revived state special assessment program, which offers property tax benefits for historic preservation work. The commission's comments to SHIPO will shape whether the former Robies buildings and Workers Tavern get in — and whether the tavern's original wood siding gets repaired or replaced.
August 3 agenda concerns — ballot initiative and HLC appeal
Councilor Adams flagged that the August 3 meeting is packed with two legally tricky items — a citizen ballot initiative and a Historic Landmarks Commission appeal — and asked for advance legal education. The mayor says he'll walk the council through the quasi-judicial process.
Parks and Recreation financial performance
The department is finishing the fiscal year well ahead of revenue goals, with combined aquatics and recreation revenue topping $1 million and June aquatic attendance up 19%. Strong numbers mean more capacity to keep programs running without raising fees.
Emergency bus transportation agreement with Sunset Empire Transportation District
The city locked in a partnership so buses can move residents during a natural or man-made disaster, with the city covering costs and either side able to exit on 30 days' notice.
Ocean View Cemetery Fee Increase
The Parks Department is proposing a smaller 3% cemetery fee increase instead of the planned 5%, and cutting burial liner prices from $1,700 to about $1,100. Staff noted Astoria's prices were approaching the top of the regional market, and the cut keeps full burials affordable.
FY 2026-27 urban renewal budget
The commission adopted a $9.08 million budget for the Astor East and Astor West urban renewal districts, including a city-initiated roof replacement for the 30-year-old Astoria Aquatic Center. Astor West has hit its maximum debt capacity, so no new borrowing there.