Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Benito County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues with critical priority
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.
Super El Niño storm preparedness and local emergency declaration
NOAA projects a very strong El Niño with heavy winter storms, and the governor has already declared a statewide emergency. The county declared its own local emergency to fast-track contracts, set aside $500,000, and is asking residents in flood-prone areas to clean creeks, sign up for alerts, and have evacuation plans.
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.
South County public safety staffing
The sheriff's office is short deputies and jail staff, with one jail pod shut down. The board funded full medical/dental/vision plus hiring incentives by freezing five positions, hoping to stop the bleeding on public safety.
ICE detention facility near Gilroy and county amicus participation
A private ICE detention facility is planned just south of the county line near Gilroy, and more than a dozen residents urged the board to join the lawsuit against it. After closed session, the county authorized joining the amicus brief supporting Santa Clara County and the Attorney General's suit.