The June session of the Grand Terrace Chamber of Commerce meeting was held at Get Loaded Guns and Ammo, providing a platform for local business owners and community leaders to discuss the city’s progress, fiscal health, and the upcoming ballot initiative for a 1% sales tax increase aimed at enhancing law enforcement.
City Manager Konrad Bolowich opened the meeting by expressing his gratitude for the community's proactive spirit. "This is an aspirational community," Bolowich said. "Everyone here believes we can do better, and that’s evident in the way our businesses and residents are engaged."
One of the key topics was Grand Terrace’s investment in infrastructure. "We've done a huge job on paving the main roads," Konrad noted, "because that's where people come into the city." This effort is part of a broader strategy to make the city more inviting and to raise property values. "We've resurfaced parks, replaced all street signs, and introduced a centralized dumpster to combat illegal dumping," Bolowich detailed. These efforts aim to enhance the city’s appearance and functionality, benefiting both residents and businesses.
The city has also invested in tree planting, aiming to create a green canopy that will make Grand Terrace feel more welcoming and homely. "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second-best time is today," Conrad remarked, highlighting the long-term vision for the city’s beautification.
Efforts are also underway to clean up areas like Barton Road, with a phased approach to improve the entire stretch gradually. These projects are part of a comprehensive plan to enhance the city’s appearance and appeal, ultimately benefiting residents and businesses.
Questions about the city's fiscal health were addressed by Conrad, who assured attendees that Grand Terrace is on solid financial ground. "We've had a balanced budget for the last three years," he stated, "and we've managed to invest in infrastructure and other improvements while maintaining fiscal responsibility." "We have had positive sales tax growth for the last 13 quarters".
The city's unique revenue structure, although heavily reliant on property taxes, represents the importance of maintaining and increasing property values; and brings to the forefront a necessity to generate revenue from other tax opportunities. Despite these challenges, Grand Terrace has seen consistent growth in sales tax revenue, a positive indicator of economic health.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on public safety. The city currently has a pressing need for more law enforcement officers. "Our officers are overworked," Konrad explained, "and we need more officers on the streets to ensure safety and improve quality of life."
To address this, the city is proposing a 1% sales tax increase, dedicated to funding additional police officers. "This will allow us to double the number of officers," he explained, emphasizing the critical need for enhanced law enforcement to keep the community safe and secure, aligning Grand Terrace Sales tax rates with neighboring cities like San Bernardino and Redlands. Council member Michelle Sabino, highlighted the current law enforcement coverage challenges. "We've had to rely on mutual aid from neighboring areas, and this has been a concern, especially after an officer was assaulted and had to wait for someone from an outside resource to come in (and help)," Sabino noted.
Business owners raised questions about the city's support for local enterprises. City manager Bolowich acknowledged past shortcomings but assured that changes are being made. "We need to treat businesses like customers," he said, highlighting efforts to streamline processes and reduce red tape.
The city is also focusing on improving customer service, including adding staff to handle inquiries and assist the community more efficiently. These efforts are aimed at creating a more welcoming environment that encourages growth and development.
The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. Konrad encapsulated the collective vision: "We know we can be better, and we're going to do better. This community is working towards a brighter future, and it's exciting to be part of this journey."
As Grand Terrace moves forward, the collaboration between residents, business owners, and officials will be crucial in realizing this vision of excellence and progress. The energy and enthusiasm displayed at the meeting are promising indicators of what lies ahead for Grand Terrace residents and visitors alike.