Development News for Corona, California

City Approves $396,000 Investment for New Toyota of Corona Freeway Sign

The City Council considered a proposal to fund a new freeway sign for Toyota of Corona, a dealership that recently changed ownership and is experiencing increased sales. The proposal involves a 50% city contribution of $396,000 towards a $792,000 sign, with the city receiving 9 minutes of advertising time per hour. Staff presented data showing a significant increase in car sales and projected sales tax revenue, suggesting the city's investment would be recouped within a year to a year and a half. The project would involve a variance for the sign's size and would require planning commission approval before returning to the City Council. A council member expressed concern about receiving less advertising time (9 minutes) compared to a previous city agreement for the Corona Auto Center sign ($150,000 contribution, 12 minutes of advertising time), proposing an amendment to request 12 minutes. The motion to amend failed, and the original proposal passed 4-1.

Resident Criticizes City Attorney's Office, Calls for Increased Public Engagement on Downtown Projects

During the public comment section, a resident voiced strong criticism of the city attorney's office, alleging 'slap lawsuits' and unethical practices, particularly concerning the McKinley Avenue project and a previous library sale. The resident claimed the city attorney's office acts like a 'mob consigliary' rather than a prosecutor, prioritizing winning over ethical conduct and hiding information. The resident also made a $1,000 bet that the city would pay Padilla's attorney fees due to the office's actions. Another speaker, Don Fuller, discussed the need for more extensive public engagement, similar to the redistricting process, for the 6th and Main revitalization project, suggesting that three-minute public comments twice a month are insufficient for meaningful conversation.

City Council Adopts Fiscal Year 2027 Budget with Projected Surplus

The City Council reviewed and adopted the proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 and amendments to the fiscal year 2026 budget. The total citywide revenues are projected at $498.7 million, with expenditures at $508.7 million. The general fund revenues are projected at $243.8 million, with expenditures at $243.5 million, resulting in a net surplus of approximately $242,000 for the year. Key revenue sources for the general fund are sales tax (41%) and property tax (29%). Public safety constitutes the largest expenditure category at 45.6% of the general fund. The budget also includes significant capital improvement project (CIP) spending across utilities, with water utilities proposing $27 million in CIP, including water line replacement and treatment plant upgrades, and sewer fund proposing $13.3 million in CIP for water reclamation facility upgrades. Measure X spending is allocated at $468 million, with public safety and debt reduction as major components.

RCA Secures $11 Million Grant for 800-Acre Land Purchase Near Lake Elsinore

During the City Council meeting, Councilmember Tony D'Addario reported on the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority (RCA) meeting. He highlighted that the RCA received an $11 million grant from the Department of Fish and Game, which was used to purchase over 800 acres of land behind Lake Elsinore. This acquisition is considered a significant event for the region.