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News said that con agra was closing down due to operating costs, is that right? and i believe it says 250 positions cut? thats alot of employees, but from what ive heard most of them arent prosser residents anyways.
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Norman · Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 8:27 am Post subject: ConAgra impact...

That is very likely true that a large number of the workers to be laid off are not Prosser residents. The cities 20 year plan included a section on employment and housing in which it stated that there are (at least were) more jobs in Prosser than housing. The City has indicated that the financial impact to revenue will be about $500k. I think that may only be direct impact, such as water and sewer fees that won't be collected and a WAG at loss of sales tax. It could be considerably more due to impact on other businesses, and a general tightening up in spending around town.

The City (Charlie?) also stated that this would not result in increased taxes to the residents this year. Well, true statement. If you understand how taxes are collected, what the residents pay in taxes this year, was established last year. Next year...different story. The school M&O levy passed, and I'm sure the City will take their 1% increase in the budget next year. So, with fewer residents, and a decrease in assessed values, the individual will be paying more taxes to maintain the same budget (or 1% higher) for the City.

Do we need the same budget next year? More? Should the City be looking at annexing land to attract more business out north?