CITY OF GONZALES
2024 SNAPSHOT
2024 flew by, but with so much going on in our little town, it's no wonder why the year seems like a blur. City staff worked hard all year to get our major projects underway. Making great advances, and wrapping up loose ends, while working alongside state and county partners to advance projects that will transform our community.
DENNIS AND JANICE CAPRARA COMMUNITY
CENTER COMPLEX
This $34 million dollar project is being funded through Measure X, private donations, grants and a USDA
Loan. The center will bring in much-needed
opportunities for our community. Phase I (under
construction) includes a Teen Innovation Center, a
New County Library, Outdoor Amphitheatre,
Meeting Rooms and Offices. Staff is actively
fundraising for Phase II, which includes the
Community Hall, a Commercial Kitchen, and a Fitness
Center. Phase I is set to be completed in Dec. 2025
and will be open in early 2026!
INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
The Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant project
will add much needed capacity to the City’s
wastewater system. The current facility is old and
outdated and does not meet new Water Board
standards. This new $32 million dollar facility, funded through a State Revolving Fund Loan and grants, will
add capacity to our system. It will allow us to meet
the new regulations, continue to meet the City’s
current demand for wastewater, and add capacity for
future projects.
WE BROKE GROUND ON TWO MAJOR PROJECTS!
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Mrs. Julie Douglas was nominated by her
peers as this year's employee of the year.
Mrs. Douglas runs the City’s Summer
Camps and After School programs. She
has worked for the City for 8 years, and
with each passing year takes on more
and more responsibilities. She is always willing to
support the community and her colleagues.
Congratulations Mrs. Douglas on being the
City’s 2024 Employee of the Year!
MEET SPARTAN
Spartan was purchased earlier this year through the
support of a grant. He has been instrumental in
numerous cases. In his short time with us, he has
assisted in capturing dangerous fugitives and has
helped do away with the use of illegal fireworks.
AGENDA
ITEM
MEET OUR NEW TEAM MEMBERS
Three new members joined our team this year. Please
help us make them feel welcome as you see them out
and about.
JEREMY LOPEZ JASMIN GARCIA MIKE MCCABE
RINGING IN 2025...
We will be celebrating the completion of Phase I
of the Dennis and Janice Caprara Community
Center Complex. This includes the Teen
Innovation Center, the Library, the Outdoor
Amphitheatre, a Meeting Room, Parking, and all
the site work.
We will continue to advance the construction of
our Industrial Wastewater Plant project.
We will be busy working to complete the
annexation of the Vista Lucia housing project.
And we will continue to be fiscally responsible and
work to attract new revenue streams.
GRANT FUNDING
The City received grant
funding to purchase
equipment that will help
keep us all safe. The Office
of Traffic Safety granted us
funding to purchases state
of the art “Jaws of Life”.
These tools will help us get
to folks trapped in vehicle
accidents much quicker.
Unfortunately, staff has put
them to use already, but
we are glad that we have
them available. We also
received money for other
traffic safety
improvements including
lighted stop signs and
reflective pole sleeves as
well as money for safety
education.
The Department of
Water Resources
awarded us funding for
an emergency texting
system and other flood
prevention equipment
that we will use in case
of an emergency.
DIGITAL BILLBOARD
The City Council approved
the establishment of a
digital billboard adjacent to
Highway 101. This will be a
great advertising and
communication tool. It will
also bring in some
unrestricted revenue. We
are excited to see its
development.
CITY SERVER UPGRADE
The City server upgrade has been completed. Replacing
the network servers for the Police Station, City Hall and the Fire Station. This upgrade now allows for automation, which means you can now even establish reoccurring
payments online.
PARTNERSHIPS
Through partnerships with the County Health
Department, the Blue Zones Project, Alliance on Aging
and Save the Whales, the City was able to offer more
programing for seniors and youth this year, and
establish a community garden.
Next year, we plan to continue bringing in programming
for the community, including a mural and STEAM
opportunities for our Kid Power students. The GYC continues with their civic engagement duties. They are actively involved in the development
of the Community Center.
GONZALES YOUTH COUNCIL (GYC)