ROYAL CITY — The Royal City City Council held their first regular meeting of the year on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

During the meeting, they passed a resolution stating that the city is intending to implement Substitute House Bill 1406, according to Shilo Christensen, finance director for the City of Royal City. Substitute House Bill 1406 allows city councils to adopt legislation that authorizes a sales and use tax for affordable and supportive housing. If cities don’t take the money, it goes to the county. Before cities can even decide if they want to receive the money, they have to pass a resolution stating that they intend to use the money. If the city decides to use the money, they will have to vote again on the issue in June or July. The money doesn’t come from a new tax, but is currently going to the county.

The council also approved an ordinance updating the city’s comprehensive plan. According to state law, a city’s plan needs to be updated every ten years. It has been ten years since Royal City updated their plan. The update also brings the city into compliance with the state’s Growth Management Act, which is necessary before the city can receive grant money for a wastewater study.

During the staff reports part of the meeting, Interim Police Chief Rey Rodriguez asked the council how they felt about hiring a School Resource Officer.

“Because of the new funds from the criminal justice tax, he thinks we might be able to do something like that,” Christensen said in a later interview.

No formal talks have begun with the Royal School District and the police department is in the very beginning of considering the idea. No final decisions have been made.

Public Works Director John Lasenn told the council that CAD Homes will be holding a public hearing on Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. at Royal City City Hall. The public hearing will be hearing statements in favor and against CAD Homes subdividing 8.79 acres into 32 lots. This is the only time that the public will be able to comment on the proposed plat. A copy of the plans are available at city hall.

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at [email protected].