FILLMORE : City Sets Agenda for Economic Growth

Citing economic development as a “high priority,” Fillmore city officials have adopted a broad list of goals that they will work to accomplish in 1993.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the City Council voted unanimously to pursue the wide-ranging agenda. Their goals include seeking grants for bike paths, adopting an aggressive graffiti-removal program, developing a policy for a public-access cable channel, acquiring more parkland, improving public safety services, beginning a Fire Department explorer program and improving the appearance of public buildings and grounds.

While the goals are not listed in any particular order, City Manager Roy Payne said that bolstering the city’s coffers and redevelopment are the most important.

“Economic development and growth is needed to provide a stable revenue source for the city,” Payne said. “We need to generate more tax revenue.”

Fillmore has set its sights on attracting more business and tourism, he said. The city hopes to accomplish such growth by completing its Storefront Rehabilitation Program and developing an attractive downtown entrance at the intersection of California 126 and Central Avenue, Payne said.

Thousands of cars pass by Fillmore each day, Payne said, but few are lured into the city and local shops. “An attractive entry can imply to (would-be shoppers), ‘Hey, there’s something going on in downtown Fillmore, let’s drive up and take a look,’ ” Payne said.