Panel wonders if city can afford growth plan

Discussion about a five-year housing plan for Sonoma, due to the state last year, centered on what was not included in the 136-page document … money and water.
The state-mandated plan, according to City Planner David Goodison, is an important tool the city uses to plan for the future housing needs of the community. Officially known as The Housing Element, it must also demonstrate the city is providing adequate affordable housing.
“What’s not in the document is the city’s uncertainty about water and funds,” said Councilor Steve Barbose. “Those are major caveats.”
Councilor Joanne Sanders also questioned “the financial impact to the general fund of adding 300-something new units.”
Strictly speaking, the document does not require those figures to satisfy the state and, as Goodison said, it does not promise a certain amount of units will be built. “If capabilities are reduced, the number of units can be reduced.”
Concern nonetheless focused on the city’s ability to pay its share of affordable housing, and provide city services and water to all new homes. The plan makes “fiscal assumptions,” said Michael George, chair of the Planning Commission.
George wondered “if we’re going through the motions to satisfy the state or are we really going to take a reality check.”
“We have a moral obligation to those who are already here,” Sanders said. She called for the county’s housing plans for areas adjacent to Sonoma to be included in the city plan. “In the eyes of a buyer, two blocks out of town is still Sonoma. We’re all in the same zip code.”
The plan forecasts a slower growth rate, which would affect city revenue. George wondered if the plan had taken into account the city’s aging demographic, both in terms of suitable housing and reduced revenue to the city. “People, as they age, spend less money.” An older population would see a drop in the crime rate, but a rise in emergency services.
What city services will cost per person is a complex question, said Linda Kelly, city manager. She told the group her staff would research the issue for the next meeting.
Mayor Ken Brown said that Valley-wide collaboration, as with the police department and the fire district, is one means of keeping costs down.
One of the goals of the plan is to reduce government restraint. Councilor August Sebastiani noted the irony of that clause, given the many requirements and stipulations. “Are we the city council, or are we a regional office of the state of California?”
The cost for private consultants to prepare the document, which was due to the state by 2008, was $61,520 – reduced from $100,000. After revisions are finished based on Wednesday’s meeting, it will presented in public hearings.