Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Mountain House public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
16 issues in taxes budget
Utility Revenue Bond Issuance to Refinance Developer Note
Water, sewer and storm funds borrowed from the general fund for years to keep rates down and now owe $15.4 million. A rate study due next spring will decide whether higher rates include paying the general fund back.
Pledged Facilities Component on the Property Tax Roll
The debt-service charge paying back developers for water, sewer, and storm infrastructure comes off monthly utility bills and onto property tax bills starting fiscal year 2026/27. Total annual cost per property doesn't change, but residents will face larger lump-sum tax payments, and renters no longer pay it through their utility bills.
Informal bidding procedures for public construction
An ordinance was scheduled for introduction to let the city use informal bidding procedures under the Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act for public projects. That can speed up and simplify smaller construction contracts.
Employee Compensation Packages and Budget Impact
New union and management deals add roughly half a million dollars a year in salary costs — around $1-1.5 million to the general fund over four years. Tingle pushed for long-term budget caution given the city's limited commercial tax base.
August Utility Bill Changes and Solid Waste True-Up
August utility bills will drop the pledged facility component — it's moving to the property tax roll instead — and include a one-time solid waste billing true-up.
Political Activities of Council Members Policy
A new Section 5.16 governing council members' political activities passed 4-1, with Vice Mayor Green opposed. It excludes City Parks from the definition of City facilities.
FY 2026/27 City and CSD Budgets
The budget workshop showed about $84.6 million in revenue versus $85.1 million in spending, with special taxes running a roughly $7.2 million shortfall covered by the general fund. Staff floated a future sales tax measure (November 2028) and a push to recover the vehicle license fee the city never receives, and a utility rate study next spring may include repayment of a $15.4 million IOU from utilities to the general fund.
Landscape maintenance assessments for FY 2026/27
Small assessment increases (3% in most areas) were confirmed for Questa Village, Cordes Village, and College Park landscape districts to fund parks, landscaping, and lighting upkeep.
Job Vacancies and Recruitment (AB 2561)
The city has a 14.4% vacancy rate, worst in the supervisor/confidential unit at 33%. Recruitment tools like NeoGov and tuition reimbursement ($800/year per employee) are in play.
Naming, Memorial, and Dedication Policy
The Neighborhood B park is now officially Costa Park, matching the nearby Evelyn Costa Elementary School. A possible grand opening is penciled in for March 20.
Potential local sales tax measure
Mountain House has the region's lowest sales tax at 7.75%, collecting only about $150,000–$200,000 a year. Staff floated a half-cent or one-cent measure for the November 2028 ballot — big purchases like cars made elsewhere would still bring revenue home.
Social Security coverage for city employees
The Council signed off on an agreement giving eligible city employees Social Security coverage alongside their San Joaquin County retirement association membership.
Structural deficit in special tax funds
Special taxes set in the late 1990s don't cover today's costs for roads, parks, public safety and public works, forcing a $7.2 million subsidy from the general fund — which is itself only gaining about $450,000 a year. Council wants a plan and timeline to close the gap.
State and federal legislative advocacy
The city's lobbyists outlined draft legislative platforms targeting transportation, water, public safety, and funding for projects like the ASR wells. Council questioned what the lobbyists have delivered since November and pressed for faster action on vehicle license fee reimbursement.
First general municipal election, November 3, 2026
Two council seats are up. Nominations open July 13 and close August 7, 2026, with contribution limits of $900 and new campaign sign rules under the freshly adopted development code.
2026 Council Meeting Calendar Changes
Two meetings canceled (February 10 and March 9) and one moved to February 24, due to council scheduling conflicts.