March 18 Daily Briefing: Checking in on city budget, latest on the Thompson Hotel, new art pops up, and more

Welcome to Monday, everyone! You’ve no doubt noticed fields of flowers popping up in vacant lots throughout the city. Purples, yellows, greens, and whites — you name it, we’ve got it. Word is to expect an intense superbloom throughout our region, courtesy of some drenching winter rains, and it’s already taking shape. Experts note that the blooms are extremely sensitive to weather conditions, so catch them locally while you can before the heat arrives. And if you want to venture outside the city to find some flower fields, Check out the wildflower reports here and plan your trip. 

🎶 Setting the mood: “I Wanna Get Better” by Bleachers

LEADING OFF

City expects strong revenue despite sales tax concerns

Palm Springs’ mid-year fiscal report for 2023-24, discussed during last week’s regular City Council meeting, shows the city continues to be on a positive trajectory despite concerns over some revenue streams.

Money in: City staff presented a mid-year budget forecasting $191 million in General Fund revenue for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, which ends on June 30. That number is slightly below the budgeted $194.8 million.

• The estimate is supported by an expected $2 million additional transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenues of around $50.8 million and $1.5 million in additional property tax revenues, which are expected to reach $32.8 million.
  
  
• While sales tax revenue has decreased, staff said it could be largely due to a drop in September that was likely influenced by Tropical Storm Hillary in late August. Stronger numbers are predicted as the fiscal year closes out, but a total of 6% less is still expected.

At issue: Acting in coordination with a consultant, city staff revised utility tax revenues to rise to $21 million, mainly due to expected increases from Southern California Edison (SCE). However, those projections then changed to $14.8 million, creating a $6 million shortfall. 

• To investigate this discrepancy, the city intends to engage a new consultant for an audit, hoping to refine future revenue forecasts.

Money out: General Fund expenses rose by about 11%, with significant investments in public works, police, fire, parks, and recreation. The city also began construction on the Navigation Center, which is expected to be completed in the summer.

• The impact of Tropical Storm Hilary was also discussed, with staff noting the need for costly emergency repairs.

Bottom line: According to staff, as the city enters the second half of the fiscal year, the focus will be on capital projects and improving residents’ quality of life, while ensuring the safety of city infrastructure.

• The full report is available for public review here.

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BRIEFLY

🏨 Partial opening for Thompson Hotel now expected in September

The long-awaited opening of the Thompson Hotel has been pushed back to at least September, a spokesperson said last week, with reservations now available for stays starting on Sept. 5. 

• The luxury hotel, located on the east side of the intersection of Palm Canyon Drive and Alejo Road, has faced multiple delays in its nearly decade-long development process.
  
  
• During a tour of the construction site last May, the developer was hopeful a partial opening would take place by the end of 2023. 
  
  
• Bottom line: “The hotel is committed to opening in 2024 and is working diligently with its partners to introduce an inspiring, luxury hospitality experience that is reflective of the Thompson Hotels brand standards,” wrote Julia Wagner of the hotel’s public-relations firm.

📚 Library to seek community input

Be prepared to provide your input this week, as the Palm Springs Public Library launches an online survey about its ongoing renovation project on Wednesday.

• The survey, available in both English and Spanish, will be also be available in printed form at various locations, including the Library, City Hall, and several community centers until April 12. 
  
  
• Community input meetings are also being scheduled starting Thursday. During the meetings (check the complete schedule here), attendees can learn about the project’s progress, discuss next steps, and provide feedback. 
  
  
• Bottom line: Library staff and architects will be present at the meetings to answer questions and share information. Their goal through both the meetings and survey is to understand the community’s needs and wants for the design direction of the renovation.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Mimosas, Martinis & Music
2 p.m. | Cascade Lounge
Sit back and enjoy the start of the week with cocktails and music at the Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. Hosted by MOD 107.3.

Mon Petit Salon
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Experience world music with a French accent at Mon Petit Salon, hosted by violin virtuoso Jeremie Levi Samson. ($10)

Architectural Review Committee
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
This city committee holds its regular monthly meeting in the large conference room this evening. An agenda can be viewed here.

Monday Men’s Coffee
6 p.m. | Gre Coffeehouse
This event is back in session following a holiday break. Come have coffee and chat with other men about issues that are on your mind. No RSVP required — just drop in!

SAVE THE DATE

• District 1 community meeting on March 20 at Demuth Community Center.
  
  
• ONE-PS Picnic and Community Expo on March 23 at Ruth Hardy Park.
  
  
• Coachella Valley Classical Voices on March 24 at United Methodist Church.
  
  
• AIDS Diva: The Legend of Connie Norman on March 27 at the Mizell Center.
  
  
• Broadway and Beyond: Interview With Kevin Chamberlain on March 29 at the Mizell Center.
  
  
• Palm Springs Fire Foundation Easter Egg Hunt on March 30 at Ruth Hardy Park.

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AND FINALLY …

You may have noticed one of the city’s most-photographed pieces of art got some company recently. It comes courtesy of a collaborative effort between a Portland-based artist and the Hohmann Gallery.

Driving the news: Christian Hohmann said last week that artist Matt Devine‘s piece has been placed in the corridor between Starbucks and Juniper Table, right next to the “PS I Heart You” sculpture that’s pretty popular with tourists.

• Hohmann, you may remember, was instrumental in bringing the Isabelle Statue and the Cerney Babies to the area. 

Zoom in: Devine is a self-taught sculptor working with steel, stainless steel, aluminum and bronze. He moved to California in 1995, where he learned to weld and fabricate metal while working alongside his father, and currently resides in Oregon.

• Similar pieces by Devine can be found up and down the West Coast, from Lake Oswego to San Diego.

Bottom line: “I’m trying to make these heavy, industrial, metals appear weightless or like they could almost be blown in the wind and then stuck together by happenstance,” Devine explained.