The City of Weed continues to make steady progress across multiple areas, including facilities, public safety, infrastructure, financial management, and long-term planning. Below is a community update on recent work and ongoing efforts.

City Hall Safety and Restoration Planning

The City continues to work with environmental professionals to ensure City Hall is safe for staff and the public. Additional testing was completed this month to evaluate all areas of the building before fully restoring it. This testing included attic sampling, surface testing, and asbestos analysis. While thorough, this process ensures that decisions are well-informed and that employee health and safety remain the top priority as the City plans next steps. We are also putting together bids to replace the electrical at City Hall and to have insulation installed.  

Public Works Improvements Across the Community

Public Works crews have been busy addressing several safety and maintenance issues throughout the City. Recent work includes repairs to the gutter system at the Library building to improve drainage and reduce dangerous ice buildup during winter conditions. These changes have already improved safety for library patrons and City staff temporarily operating from the site.

Crews have also replaced multiple sections of sidewalk where tree roots and aging infrastructure created tripping hazards. This work will continue throughout the year as part of an ongoing effort to improve pedestrian safety and reduce liability.

In addition, Public Works completed clean-up efforts along the river corridor, removing trash and debris from former encampment areas and selectively clearing vegetation to improve visibility. These efforts help improve cleanliness, safety, and overall appearance in the regions that affect the broader community.

Public Safety and Staffing Efforts

The City continues to support the Police Department as it works through staffing challenges. Efforts are underway to reduce pressure on Dispatch staff, including evaluating options to add additional staffing.

Recruitment efforts are also ongoing. The City has strengthened coordination with College of the Siskiyous to improve access to cadet programs, and early progress has been made. Two to three potential recruits are currently in the pipeline. Additionally, Sergeant Tim Green is scheduled to return to the Police Department in February, providing added leadership support.

Animal Services Coordination

The City is evaluating a potential partnership with the Siskiyou County Humane Society to improve animal sheltering services. While still under review, the goal of this effort is to reduce strain on Police resources, limit overtime, and lower liability while ensuring animals are appropriately cared for.

Property and Facilities Planning

The City is continuing discussions related to several properties and facilities, including ongoing negotiations with Roseburg Forest Products regarding the former mill site and long-term fire station needs. No decisions have been made at this time, and City leadership will seek direction from the City Council before moving forward.

In addition, the City is finalizing the transfer of several properties from Mark Juarez to the City of Weed. The formal acceptance of these properties is expected to be considered by the City Council at its February meeting. An active RFP is searching for firms to bid on the cleanup of the properties.  Thanks to Gopal LLC, the old US Bank lot has been cleaned up after a couple of hiccups.  

Financial Planning and Systems Improvements

City staff recently completed year-end financial reporting, payroll, and tax documentation, including W-2 distribution. At the same time, the City continues transitioning to a new financial management system to improve efficiency and accuracy over the long term.

The City is also evaluating long-term revenue options, including the early-stage review of a potential one-percent local sales tax. No decisions have been made, and any future action would include public discussion and voter involvement. This is highly recommended to maintain our current level of service. More information will be provided as we move through the process.  

Community Engagement and Looking Ahead

City leadership will also participate in an upcoming Town Hall meeting on February 10 at the Weed Community Center, providing residents with an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback directly.

The City of Weed remains focused on improving safety, strengthening services, and planning responsibly for the future. Thank you to City staff and community members for their continued engagement and support.