In a startling turnaround Tuesday night, the Lompoc City Council voted 4-1 to slash decades-long funding to the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce.
And the score was not close. Like 108-35.
At question was whether the city would renew its contract for business services. City Manager Dean Albro recommended a two-year renewal with three options for funding: (1) pay $150,000 from the general fund and reduce city service levels in police, fire, parks/recreation, and library; (2) reduce the contract to $71,000 paid from the general fund and maintain services; or (3) fund $150,000 from utility income which has been the case in the past thanks to Lompoc‘s city-owned utilities.