Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Benito County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in taxes budget with high priority
Environmental health fee increases sent back for more input
Fees for restaurant inspections, septic, wells, and food permits haven't gone up since 2014, leaving the program about 37.7% short on costs. Staff proposed phased increases over 3, 5, or 7 years, but with only a 6% survey response from businesses, supervisors want more outreach before voting — delays cost the county realignment dollars in the meantime.
SEIU 521 contract negotiations
The county's largest worker union says its contract expires in 15 days and the county hasn't scheduled bargaining despite a June demand — the one planned meeting was canceled before Labor Day.
OpenGov vs. ERP budget data reliability
A consultant laid out about 20 fixes for county finances, including a general reserve, quarterly department budget updates, updated fees, and an audit of the RMA — the agency behind big projects. Supervisors voiced support but haven't adopted anything yet.
Dunville Estates gate and CSA 50 finances
The county finished a gate for a gated community after its contract lapsed, and now must decide who pays for ongoing gate upkeep — the board wants residents to cover it via a Prop 218 vote and is exploring pushing the community toward an HOA.
Inactive CSAs and stranded funds
Nine CSAs collect no money and provide no services after a failed 2010 fee vote, yet about $96,000 in taxpayer funds sits in their accounts. The board wants a legal path to dissolve them or return/repurpose the funds.
Cannabis cultivation tax rate
The voter-approved cannabis tax could bring in $778,000 to $6 million a year depending on the rate and acreage cultivated. Supervisors pressed staff on use-it-or-lose-it protections and will set the rate in August.
County workforce vacancies (AB 2561 hearing)
The county's largest union is running at a 14.8% vacancy rate, with 51 of 345 general-funded positions unfilled after 55 were cut last year. Union leaders say understaffing is burning out workers and limiting public services, and urged competitive pay and new revenue like Measure G.