The City of Cannon Beach is preparing to issue $33.6 million dollars in bonds for three major capital projects, including $12.6 million dollars for a high-end tourist facility.
Cannon Beach Together believes voters deserve a voice in this $33 million dollar decision.
We are a diverse group of community members who love our town and are committed to responsible spending and stewardship. We believe in seeking consensus and community-based solutions. We strive to preserve our village character as envisioned in the city’s comprehensive plan. We believe cost savings are attainable.
We also believe that development and risk of such consequence requires a vote. That’s why we’re seeking a referendum to place this $33 million dollar question on the ballot.
Cannon Beach Together filed an initial referendum petition with the City of Cannon Beach on Monday, April 22nd.
Historically, Cannon Beach has cherished voter input on major decisions. Our leaders have referred significantly lesser spending projects including the purchases of our wastewater treatment facility and the Ecola Creek Forest Reserve, as well as the adoption of the Prepared Food Tax.
The City of Cannon Beach’s debt on a single project has never before exceeded approximately $5 million. With these three new proposed projects—a City Hall, Police Station and high-end tourist facility—Cannon Beach’s debt will near $40 million.
While the proposed costs of these construction projects dwarf any in the city’s history by an order of magnitude, we question why citizens are being left out?
Many in the community are concerned about high prices as well as the scope of this urbanization package. While we support these projects in concept, we observe that our leaders have followed consultants and staff down paths towards excess and questionable need. We’re asking for more scrutiny and we believe significant cost savings are attainable.
Meanwhile, neighboring cities along the coast--such as Manzanita and Astoria--are undertaking similar projects at significantly reduced costs. In some cases, our neighbors are poised to pay around half as much per-square-foot as we are for similar projects (see Manzanita’s plan for a new City Hall and Police Station).
Furthermore, we question the decision not only to undertake these three massive projects simultaneously, but to stack them all on a single, tenuous funding source.
If tourism experiences a disruption over the next 30 years—which history suggests is likely--the city will still have to pay. Cannon Beach’s “full faith and credit” will be on the line. Disruptions could come at a cost of reducing core city services. At worst, this profligate spending could bankrupt our city.
At best, these projects will sap Cannon Beach’s ability to adapt, grow and deliver in other areas.
Taken together, these projects, their scope and exorbitant costs are dividing Cannon Beach. To begin healing, it’s time for all voices to be heard.
Cannon Beach Together is a registered political action committee. Its membership is diverse and inter-generational, including representatives of the lodging and restaurant industries, artists, craftspeople, retirees, service industry employees, business owners, renters and more.
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