Note that the morning version of the newscast was updated with information from an interview with the Willits Police Department.
In an interview with KZYX News contributor Jenn Procacci, Willits Mayor Tom Allman cited the city's long-overdue audits, declining sales tax revenue, and lack of a permanent police chief as top challenges facing the "Gateway to the Redwoods."
“The biggest problem we have is the same problem I’m guessing all cities in California are facing — our financial situation,” Allman said. “Ours is a little different, a little unique because we haven’t had complete audits done in several years.”
Allman explained that the City Council and former city manager opted to adopt a two-year budget rather than a standard 12-month cycle, leading to a failure to complete audits for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 fiscal years. While the audit for 2022-23 was presented last week, he said the goal is to finish the 2023-24 audit by the end of May.
“I’d love to say we’re in great financial shape. Some say we’re in very poor financial shape. The truth is, we don’t know, because the books haven’t been kept up,” Allman said.
In addition to fiscal uncertainty, the city is grappling with a steady decline in sales tax revenue — down 9% each year for the last two years. While some blame the Willits bypass, Allman believes the rise of online shopping has had a greater impact.
“We’re seeing that sales tax is going to the state instead of staying local,” he said. “But economic development isn’t just ipmortant for sales tax revenue. It’s about creating living-wage jobs so people can live here, send their kids to local schools, get haircuts locally and buy groceries locally.”
To support new business growth, Allman said the city plans to host an event this fall to showcase vacant storefronts to potential entrepreneurs. Property owners will share leasing information, and city leaders hope to secure rental assistance to help new businesses survive their first winter.
The city also recently passed an ordinance allowing business owners to live in their commercial buildings — a move intended to make Willits more attractive to small operators.
In terms of development, Allman noted a large housing project is underway in the Harris subdivision near the Mormon Church. The Community Development Foundation is spearheading the effort, which will add much-needed rental housing.
“Increasing housing affects everything — from school enrollment to local sales tax,” Allman said.
The mayor also emphasized the city’s ongoing effort to hire a permanent police chief after years of interim leadership. Interim Chief Michael Parish is currently leading the department.
Allman addressed another public safety concern as well: the recent reports of illegal fireworks being set off in town.
“While others may say this isn’t the biggest issue, over the last two weeks we’ve had somebody igniting mortars in the middle of the night. It’s rattling in many ways,” he said.
Willits police confirmed they are investigating three incidents between April 20 and April 28 in the northern part of the city. Anyone with information is urged to call 707-459-6122. Anonymous reports are accepted.