The greatest news to come out of this week’s City/County Commissions joint workshop was that it happened, for the first time in recent memory.

Just four of the commissions’ areas of mutual concern were on the agenda – West Augustine, the upcoming 500/450 commemorations, entry corridors, and historic property improvement tax relief – but it was enough to reassure residents that, together, our governments can get the job done.

On West Augustine, City Chief Operations Officer John Regan noted, “We learned a lot about ourselves” and government coordination in tackling the major infrastructure project along West King Street.

On the commemorations, Tourist Development Council Director Glenn Hastings noted “this is an opportunity not for short-term gain but for long-term goals,” and County Administrator Michael Wanchick said Destination Master Plan consultant PGAV – whose recent initial report was poorly received – will be given 60 days off while both the consultant and county reassess the approach.

On entry corridors, Wanchick and City Manager Bill Harriss will prepare a $20-$30,000 interagency agreement to hire a design consultant for streetscape improvements along common city/county corridors, primarily US 1.

And on tax exemption for historic property improvements, our County Commission will be considering an extension from five to ten years for such exemptions, matching recent approval by our City Commission.