Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lemoore public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in taxes budget
New city website launch
Council members agree the city website is hard to use — even finding meeting agendas and trash days is a chore. A new website was approved a few meetings ago and is in process.
Funding the $2.45M JR Vilance settlement
The city settled contract claims from the water tank explosion near the college that caused a loss of life. Paying from the water capital fund keeps it off the general fund but leaves a temporary $556,000 hole to repay.
Reyes Jones Construction Litigation Settlement
The city settled a Kings County lawsuit tied to construction disputes, dismissing its cross-complaint against contractors and insurers and authorizing the city manager to sign the agreement.
Measure P Hotel Tax Spending Plan
Hotel tax collections fell 24% year-over-year to about $59,000 in the second quarter, blamed on renovations and an ownership change.
Master User Fee Schedule and Cost Allocation Updates
The city updated its 200-plus fees for the first time since 2020: building permits rise to cover rising costs, a general plan fee triples to save up for a roughly $1 million update, and hall rentals and indoor soccer fees go up. Recreation fees still run below actual cost because the general fund subsidizes them.
Audit Prep Consulting Contract (Price Page and Company)
The city's books got a clean bill of health: no findings, unqualified opinion, and the general fund grew $2.4 million to $17.6 million. Councilmember Gornick wants the city to review its reserve policy to make the most of the upward trend.
Rising engineering costs from new subdivision growth
All the new subdivisions being built mean more consultant engineering work than the budget anticipated, so the council topped up that line item.
FY 2026-27 City Budget Adoption
The city is projecting a $645,000 general fund overrun this year, blamed mostly on the ESG energy project, and the proposed FY27 budget adds six positions — including four police officers to create a fourth patrol beat and a business specialist to help businesses navigate city processes. Council members want to see revenue figures before committing to spending priorities.
Measure S Strengthening City Finances
Measure S is outperforming budget projections by about a million dollars, and the general fund is heading for a $2.8 million surplus this year — a big turnaround from the pre-Measure S days when layoffs and service cuts were on the table. The Chamber asked the council to restore funding for community events like the Christmas Parade as revenues improve.
Unfunded Pension (PERS) Liability
The city now has a tool to offer early retirement to employees in positions where retiring saves money — hiring replacements at lower pay or not backfilling at all. It's off the table for police officers right now given the department is down three officers and paying overtime.
City council stipend increase
The council is raising its own pay from current levels to $750/month, plus $100 for the mayor and $100 for board service. It brings Lemoore closer to the state maximum of $950 and what neighboring cities pay.