Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Benito County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
19 issues in taxes budget
MEG Labor Imposition and County Fiscal Crisis
County management employees (MEG) are fighting the county's push to eliminate paid FLSA time during contract negotiations. Five employees told the board they routinely work unpaid extra hours, and MEG's president cited county figures showing members donated about $295,000 worth of uncompensated time last fiscal year.
New budget and emergency management leadership positions
The county has struggled for a year to fill its top budget job, so it's boosting pay ~25% and retitling the position to chief budget officer. It's also adding a deputy director of emergency services to better prep for storms, fires, and earthquakes — and to recover overdue disaster reimbursements.
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.
FY 2026-27 County Interim Budget
The county's short-term spending plan that keeps operations running until the final budget is adopted. Supervisors were to weigh in on service levels, staffing, capital projects and reserves, and could direct staff on how to balance the budget — decisions that shape county services residents rely on.
$500,000 Emergency Fund From Disaster Reserves
The CEO asked for quick access to reserves so contracts can start immediately; the board amended its motion to set aside $500,000, with ratification documents due back the following week and fuller funding discussion at the September 28 budget meeting.
Declining recorder's fee and property tax revenue
High interest rates are slowing real estate sales, cutting recording fees and likely reducing property transfer tax revenue countywide. Recordings are down to about 17-30 per day.
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 vehicle leasing program
A 2015 six-vehicle pilot with Enterprise quietly grew to 33 vehicles with no board approval or required cost analysis. The board wants a leasing-vs-buying study and will consider local dealers and NACo procurement.
County Leadership Performance Evaluations
The Board privately evaluated both the County Executive Officer and the County Counsel. State law lets personnel evaluations stay confidential, so residents won't learn how those reviews went unless there's a personnel action later.
SB 707 Brown Act changes, translation and public access
Commissioners complained they're still getting hefty agendas on Fridays despite a rule requiring Wednesday delivery, and warned they'll continue items "out of protest" unless internal deadlines move up.
Retiree Health Care Obligations (OPEB)
A presentation on the county's retiree health care liabilities and its prefunding trust. Keeping up with the recommended contributions protects both retirees' benefits and the county's long-term finances.
Federal Budget Impacts (HR-1)
A look at how the federal budget law (HR-1) could hit local revenue and services, against a backdrop of rising federal deficits and funding uncertainty for counties.
GHAD budget and reserve adequacy for Ridgemark
The Geologic Hazard Abatement District's $133,906 budget passed, funded by a $45 annual increase per Ridgemark Promontory home. Supervisors flagged that thin reserves — roughly $300,000 — wouldn't cover major slope repairs if a bad winter hits.
County travel policy tightening
A new policy requiring CEO review of every staff travel request passed 3-2. Supporters call it fiscal discipline during a budget crunch; dissenters say it overloads the CEO and micromanages department heads.
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.