![Two kids are seen drawing with chalk outside the Emmaus House in
this file photo. The organization will get $50,000 from Community
Foundation for San Benito County.](https://sanbenito.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2011/06/57ab19900cc9b68d98641249879c7935.jpg)
The Hollister City Council, acting as the redevelopment agency
board, made several moves in a special meeting Wednesday as a
precursor to the state’s planned cut to the programs
– including the extension of a lease with the Emmaus House for
another 25 years at the RDA-owned site.
The Hollister City Council, acting as the redevelopment agency board, made several moves in a special meeting Wednesday as a precursor to the state’s planned cut to the programs – including the extension of a lease with the Emmaus House for another 25 years at the RDA-owned site.
The state budget approved late Wednesday includes the possible elimination of RDAs, about 400 of them, throughout the state. The impending cuts have left municipalities scrambling to make adjustments and prevent the expected takeaways from the state, which has projected $1.7 billion in added revenue from the move.
One of the moves made Wednesday by Hollister council members was to extend the lease with the Emmaus House for battered women and children. The 15-year loan agreement for the 1191 Sunnyslope Road property started in January 1997 and was set to expire. Council members agreed to extend the lease another 25 years at the same rate, $1 per year.
While preceding the possible elimination of RDAs, the council also agreed to transfer several RDA-owned properties to the city to prevent losing those assets. With the Emmaus House, the council took the differing approach. RDA ownership allows for the $1 annual lease. If the city owns property, it must charge market rate on leases.
Look back for more on the other RDA actions taken Wednesday.