The city wants to cut the rent it charges on city-owned properties by 20%. City Council members are scheduled to vote on the plan Wednesday night.

City Manager Gene Albaugh says it’s a way for them to help out local businesses. 

“And we’re also hopeful that some of the landlords of other properties might do the same. We’d like to keep businesses here rather than have vacancies, particularly in the historical district.” 

Albaugh says cutting rent on city-owned properties would cost Nevada City less than $10,000. He says it would cost much more if they became vacant.  

The city owns eight properties. They’re being rented out by a variety of businesses, including an antique shop, real estate office and the chamber of commerce.