Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Oakley public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in taxes budget
Cemetery consolidation proposal
Two BBK Union Cemetery trustees warned that Supervisor Burgess plans to replace the board to consolidate the cemetery with Alamo-Lafayette, potentially diverting East County tax dollars to Alamo's $3.5 million debt. They'll present more at the November 10 meeting.
New Senior Public Works Inspector Position
Instead of paying contractors $248K-$600K a year for construction inspection, the city will hire an in-house inspector at about $186K, saving roughly $200K annually.
Meeting minutes format and transparency
Council will keep action minutes but attach the Granicus transcript so the public can see full discussion — prompted by Fuller's complaints that minutes lack detail and transparency.
Possible reallocation of saved election funds to the library
The library served about 8,200 patrons last year — more than half of Oakley's youth — ran 241 free programs, and handed out 333 cards to second graders. All free, with no overdue fines.
Council appointments for Districts 2 and 4
No one ran against the two incumbent council members, so the council got to pick between appointing them or holding a $31K-$50K election anyway. They chose appointment, meaning Districts 2 and 4 won't appear on your November ballot.
FY 2026/27 City Budget Adoption
Councilmembers ranked the city's upcoming capital projects — the big infrastructure investments — to guide staff on what matters most. Expect those priorities to shape next year's construction spending.
Street Lighting and Landscape Assessment District No. 1
The council confirmed the annual LLAD assessments for FY 2026-27 — about $5.29 million covering parks, landscaping and streetlights for roughly 80% of city parcels. Rates stay at or below the allowed maximums, so homeowners won't see increases beyond the established rates.
City Manager compensation increase and bonus
The city manager gets a 7% raise to $333,596 starting July 1 plus a one-time $15,589 retention bonus. Total cost to the general fund is about $43,400 a year once benefits are included. The raise is about 4 points above this year's cost-of-living adjustment.
November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election
The council formally called the general municipal election for council Districts 2 and 4. Candidate filing runs July 13 to August 7, with a $25 filing fee.