Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Verne public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in taxes budget
Waste Management Billing Dispute Raised in Public Comment
Starting September 1, Waste Management bills residents directly instead of the city — same rates, new bill format, 120-day late-fee grace period, plus August workshops and a weekly help desk at City Hall. Check your first bill carefully.
Affordable Housing Development Impact Fees
For the first time in over 20 years, La Verne set affordable housing fees on new development — deliberately below the legally defensible maximum to keep developers coming. Fees fund affordable housing, and the City Manager can negotiate project by project.
Purchasing Policy and Competitive Bidding
The city raised its no-bid purchase threshold to $7,500 and replaced mandatory five-year rebidding with a documented review. Critics warn it invites favoritism toward long-time contractors, pointing to unbid contracts like RKA's million-dollar-a-year deal.
Middle Management 2% COLA
Sergeants and the captain get a new three-year contract aligned with the officers' union deal — pay raises, a master's degree incentive, and higher CalPERS contributions — costing $19,412 this year.
Measure G Elected County CEO Concerns
The council voted to send a letter asking the Measure G Task Force to engage with cities before finalizing recommendations on the new countywide elected CEO position, which cities feel is being fast-tracked without their input.
Employee Compensation and Benefits Update
The council updated benefit resolutions and the full-time salary chart, including roughly $43,000 in added medical contributions and $147,595 in negotiated raises — all general fund costs offset by Measure LV money. Negotiations with remaining employee groups continue.
Police Middle Management Labor Agreement
Sergeants and the captain get a new three-year contract aligned with the officers' union deal — pay raises, a master's degree incentive, and higher CalPERS contributions — costing $19,412 this year.
Annual Assessment District Levies
Rising water costs and a state law banning non-functional turf are straining the city's three landscape and lighting districts, where expenses already outpace revenue in most zones. The council wants better public outreach before asking voters to raise assessments in 2027.
Budget Deficits and Reserve Protection
This year is running about $300,000 over budget (mostly retirement payouts), and next year's draft has a $233,628 gap. Council wants to protect 30% reserves and is eyeing event sponsorships, Veterans Hall cost recovery, and fee changes rather than slashing community programs.
Community Project Partnerships and Public Resource Use
After the Walk of Honor plaque controversy, new rules now require council approval for any community group project using city staff or resources beyond three hours or $1,500. Critics called the original plaque project a backdoor deal; council members framed the regulation as transparency going forward.
Staffing Vacancies and Turnover
The city reported a 6.67% vacancy rate (13 openings out of 195 positions), but one resident flagged a roughly 12-13% turnover rate and questioned management. Council asked for better data next year distinguishing retirements, promotions, and separations.
Utility Users' Tax Continuation
The council held its annual hearing confirming the utility tax stays at current voter-approved rates — about $3.9 million next fiscal year for police, fire, recreation and public works, with a reduced 3% rate for seniors and nonprofits.
Utilities Manager Salary Increase vs. Budget Pressure
Staff proposed raising the vacant Utilities Manager pay range 9.3% while the city manager's own email warns of a $1.8 million budget deficit. Staff said the position sits in the water fund and the raise is needed to compete with Upland and other agencies.
Opposition to LA County half-cent healthcare sales tax
LA County placed a half-cent general sales tax on the June ballot for healthcare services. La Verne worries the money could be diverted and the city won't see proportional returns, as happened with past county measures.
Loss of LVTV Channel 3
Historical Society and residents urged the city to find a way to keep La Verne TV, which recorded community events and gave University of La Verne students production experience — the city uses a $22,000/year vendor instead.