By Will Stone
Manzanita, Oregon, is a small coastal town with a population of approximately 600, known for its scenic beauty and tight-knit community. The city government consists of a city council and a Mayor, with the council holding significant decision-making power, including budgetary approvals. The existing city hall on Laneda Avenue, abandoned due to mold issues, necessitated discussions about a new facility, but the council’s actions have led to a series of controversies.
Voters rejected a levy to fund a new city hall by a margin of 68%, indicating strong public opposition to a tax increase for this purpose. Despite this, the city council proceeded with the construction of a multimillion-dollar new city hall, financing it through borrowed funds to be repaid from the general fund. This decision was likely influenced by the need to replace the abandoned city hall, which had mold issues and the Mayor’s request to see the existing facilities. It’s worth noting that the mold and other issues with the old city hall disappeared when the contractor who was hired to build the new city hall purchased the property and remodeled it for his business office.
The choice to borrow funds and repay from the general fund means that the cost will be spread over time, potentially impacting future budgets. This approach bypasses the need for voter approval, which is surprising given the clear rejection of the levy, raising questions about the council’s adherence to democratic principles.
Mayor Deb Simmons, who opposed the new city hall project as proposed and wished to allow citizens to have a vote, became a focal point of contention. The council’s attempt to remove her from office suggests a power struggle, possibly to silence opposition to their agenda. This action aligns with the council’s decision to proceed despite voter opposition, indicating a pattern of disregarding dissent.
The conflict escalated when the city manager filed a charge of an abusive workplace, triggered by Simmons questioning her and requesting access, which the City Manager denied, to the interior of city hall and fire station. This request was likely an attempt to assess the condition of the existing facilities and argue against the need for a new one, but the city manager’s reaction was disproportionate, filing a complaint that led to an investigation.
The city council hired a lawyer to investigate the city manager’s charges, and the report found no merit in the accusations, meaning Mayor Simmons did not engage in abusive behavior. This finding suggests that the complaint was unfounded, possibly an attempt to discredit her and protect the council’s interests.
However, before the report was released, Mayor Simmons resigned. This timing is notable, as it occurred before the public could see the exonerating report, potentially under pressure from the council or due to frustration with the ongoing conflict. Her resignation is a significant loss for those who supported her stance against the new city hall.
The city council has spent approximately $250,000 to investigate and suppress the investigation report, while the former Mayor approves of its release. This expenditure is particularly striking for a small town like Manzanita, where $250,000 could fund other community services. The decision to suppress the report, despite it clearing the Mayor, raises suspicions about what else might be contained within it. The council has the ability to release the report and chose to cover it up.
Possible reasons for suppression include the report containing criticisms of the council’s actions, such as their handling of the city manager or their decision to proceed with the city hall project against voter wishes. Alternatively, it might reveal internal deliberations or misconduct that the council wishes to keep hidden. This lack of transparency is a significant concern, especially given the council’s already strained relationship with the public.
Citizens are questioning what the council is covering up, reflecting a loss of trust in local government. The community’s frustration is understandable, given the council’s disregard for the 68% voter rejection of the city hall bond tax request and their expenditure of public funds to suppress information.
The community desires accountability and transparency, which the council’s actions have undermined. The surprising detail is the amount spent, $250,000, to hide a report that cleared the Mayor, suggesting possible hidden issues that could further erode public trust.
The new city hall project, costing several million dollars, is being funded through borrowing, with repayment from the general fund in addition to borrowings to acquire the land. This financial strategy could strain future budgets, potentially leading to cuts in other services or necessitating future tax increases, which might face similar public opposition. The council’s decision to proceed without voter approval could have long-term consequences for the town’s fiscal health and community relations.
The Manzanita City Council’s actions regarding the new city hall project, the conflict with Mayor Deb Simmons, and the suppression of the investigation report have created a significant controversy. The council’s disregard for voter opposition, expenditure of $250,000 to hide a report, and lack of transparency have eroded public trust, leaving the community to question the true cost of their new city hall—both financially and morally. As the project moves forward, the need for accountability and open governance remains paramount for the future of Manzanita.
