Morgan Hill – The city’s Redevelopment Agency has spent $23,000 on promotional materials mailed this month, prompting some criticism from residents that the agency is using tax dollars to sway public opinion before a pivotal vote by the City Council that could extend the agency’s life 15 years.
A glossy brochure called “25 Years of Making it Happen in Morgan Hill” mailed to 14,000 Morgan Hill homes earlier this month, touting the accomplishments of local redevelopment, cost $19,500 for design, production and postage. Additionally, a newsletter sent out to announce an Oct. 10 town hall meeting facilitated by RDA officials cost $4,000.
Morgan Hill resident Marby Lee, who’s running along four other candidates for two open seats on the council, spoke up at the town hall meeting, questioning the principle of spending tax money on what she saw as propaganda.
City officials responded by saying the newsletter was meant to educate the community of the plan to amend the redevelopment agency, on which the city council is expected to vote Nov. 15.
The redevelopment agency was created in 1981 to provide a way to redevelop blighted areas. A map of those areas was created, and property tax revenue that normally goes to other entities is redirected to the agency. The agency’s bylaws allow for the construction of projects such as the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, the Aquatics Center and the Centennial Recreation Center, but do not allow for money to be spent on maintenance. It has spent about $250 million on projects since it was created, and a plan amendment seeks to add $333 million in funding over 15 years.
As to the intent of the brochure, city officials said it was to celebrate the accomplishments of the RDA over the past 25 years and invite the community to the Oct. 10 town hall meeting.
“This is all part of an outreach and education process regarding the plan amendment,” said Garrett Toy, director of business assistance and housing services. “It’s meant to solicit as much input as we can from the community.”
