City Council

The Atascadero City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to consider raising the city's sales tax by a half percent. The goal would be to raise nearly $2 million with the primary purpose of funding road repairs.

Tuesday's decision simply directs city staff to gather public opinion, as well as construct language for a ballot measure to put before voters in November. The council will consider the staff proposal in June.

Prayer will no longer be a part of Pismo Beach City Council meetings following a unanimous vote last night by the three council members in attendance.

The decision resolves a lawsuit brought by the Freedom from Religion Foundation and a member of Atheists United SLO asking the city to end the practice.

The Pismo Beach city manager says the council's move was made to avoid a costly trial using taxpayer funds. As part of the settlement, the city agreed to pay the plaintiffs' legal fees of $47,500. In addition, the position of city chaplain was abolished.

An administrative law judge says the City of San Luis Obispo needs to reverse course and bring back binding arbitration for the city's police and firefighter unions.

Back in 2011, nearly 3-out-of-4 voters approved Measure B, which put an end to the arbitation practice. Voters also created the binding arbitration method back in 2000.

The judge says the city didn't follow proper procedure before putting the issue back on the ballot with Measure B. The City Council will meet in closed session this Monday to discuss options, including an appeal.