Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Eureka public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in taxes budget
Operations Complex and city facility transitions
The city awarded the contract to finish the new public works Operations Complex at 3993 Broadway — foundation and interior build-out of the metal building that replaces the flood- and tsunami-zone corporation yard. The old corp yard site may become a Costco ground lease.
Rising Insurance and Liability Costs / Tort Reform
CIRA told the council its liability coverage costs are climbing 15-30% a year, money that comes straight out of the police, fire and streets budgets. New state law (SB 577) helps a little — cities 15% or less at fault pay only their share starting July 2027 — but reform advocates want more.
Structural budget deficit in the general fund
The city's reserve fell to about 17.8% of expenditures after a nearly $4 million mid-year deficit — well below the 25% policy floor. Staff wants to hold spending growth to 1% for three years to rebuild it, and councilmembers floated raising the transient occupancy tax from 10% to 12% for the November ballot.
City salary schedule and 3% COLA
The council adopted the July 2026 pay schedule locking in the negotiated 3% raise for city employees and setting pay for new classifications.
AB 1383 pension rollback opposition
The council will send a letter opposing AB 1383, which would roll back PEERA pension reforms without funding, requiring every agency to bargain the change with unions.
Collection of Unpaid Garbage and Recycling Fees
48 properties owing $1,000+ in unpaid 2025 garbage and recycling fees will get liens; 80% of all overdue accounts are residential.
Transient Occupancy Tax ordinance update
Short-term rental and lodging operators who ignored notices will get liens recorded against their properties. One parcel was pulled off the list while the city works with that operator directly.
Recology solid waste rate increase of 8.52%
Your trash bill could rise up to 8.52% starting July 1, 2026 — but the council couldn't agree. With two members absent, the vote failed 2-1 and comes back August 4. Drivers include higher disposal and recycling processing costs and sharply rising insurance.
Charter Amendment on Mayor and Council Salaries
Voters will decide whether to amend the City Charter to let the council set its own compensation by ordinance — $1,250/month for the Mayor and $1,000/month for councilmembers, with annual adjustments reviewed by the Finance Advisory Committee.
Future Items: Parking Permit Discounts, TOT Increase, Small Business Support
Council agreed by consensus to bring back discounted parking permits for seniors, people with disabilities and SNAP recipients, a 2% TOT increase for the November ballot, and reports on cottage food businesses and small-business startup costs.
Sales tax revenue decline and forecasting reliability
Sales tax — 60% of the city's revenue base — has been sliding since 2021-22, and Councilmember Contreras-DeLoach argued the outside forecasters have been wrong for years. She wants the city to plan for decreases based on its own local trend rather than the projected 2% bump.
Tenant protections and anti-war resolution requests
The Humboldt Tenants Union asked the city to shorten the just-cause qualifying period and require 90-day notices, tying evictions to homelessness data. Anti-war activists asked for a resolution against war with Iran and Cuba.
CIRA/REMIF health plan premium increase
City employees' health insurance premiums are jumping 39% on July 1. The cheapest plan is being eliminated, forcing choices between a 28% increase on a low-deductible plan or a 6% increase on a high-deductible plan.
Strategic plan for 2025-26
Council adopted its two-year roadmap: charter review, local coastal program and inland zoning updates, a housing trust fund and healthcare special district study, parks master plan, expanded CARE/CSAT mental health response, climate action plan and a water/sewer rate study.
City fees update for 2025-26
Council approved the mid-year fee schedule: a new $200/hour fee for private de-escalation trainings, a new tobacco retailer license fee, zoo access pass and parking fees, and removed Cooper Gulch recreation building fees (possibly for council meetings during City Hall remodel). Free public de-escalation trainings will continue.