.png)
Hayden City Council Meeting
September 24, 2024, 5PM
Hayden City Hall
8930 N Government Way
Hayden, ID 83835
Dear City of Hayden Taxpayer,
One item on the agenda this Tuesday night that really stands out is the "Resolution to Accept Eligibility Report for HURA Expansion.” HURA is the Urban Renewal Agency in Hayden and as the board is seeking to potentially grow the district by 10%, in this step the Hayden City Council members must declare the properties in the 10% window as “deteriorated." The attached map shows the existing district in blue and the proposed expansion in green.
How would you feel if your property was being scrutinized by your local government without your knowledge and being officially declared as "deteriorated"?
How would you feel about your property suddenly being added to the Urban Renewal District?
How would you feel if the Urban Renewal district decided they wanted to purchase your property for one of their projects and you were unable to decline?
These are important questions to ask yourself as this is the direction your city is going right now!
In April I voted against the HURA expansion for the following unresolved reasons but I was outvoted. I continue to agree with these reasons:
Lack of accountability-ultimately who decides on what projects will be done?
There are millions of Hayden taxpayer dollars available at the discretion of an unelected board.
No clear plans as projects are not specific and only general estimates.
No clear division of financial responsibility is in writing and Hayden will still most likely need to come up with money to fund part of the projects.
No recourse for the City of Hayden if "agreed upon" projects are not done or plans get changed.
Some seem to trust HURA 100%, but I’m not content to govern a city based on trust or blind faith. We are here to protect you, the taxpayers of Hayden, and I don’t think it’s wrong to ask for contracts, signed agreements, and openness where millions of dollars are concerned.
You can read the full agenda for the meeting, including the HURA Expansion here: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2366?meeting=654140
You can watch the last HURA meeting where this Eligibility Report was presented and discussed: https://www.youtube.com/live/_bYGO8EgdJk?feature=shared&t=888
Thank you for taking the time to read this and be involved.
Working for you,
Sandy White
Comments