Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Bernardino public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
Business registration tax liens
Landlords with unpaid rental-property business registration taxes face liens on their parcels; about $255,000 expected, with a two-week grace period to clear accounts.
CFD Annexation No. 54 – Quick Quack Car Wash special tax
The car wash property on Highland Avenue was annexed into the city's 2019 maintenance services district, meaning its owners pay a special tax for street lighting, drainage and upkeep. The landowner election and tax levy passed unanimously.
November 3, 2026 run-off election for Wards 1, 2, and 4
The council called a run-off election to fill council seats in Wards 1, 2, and 4, consolidated with the statewide general election.
County property tax exchange and fiscal transparency
Speakers pressed the city to renegotiate the property-tax arrangement with San Bernardino County and commission a forensic audit to verify public funds are spent efficiently. Staff noted the historical fire-services transfer figures and said HDL will review the tax data.
City Staffing Vacancies (AB 2561 Report)
A resident said only about 20 code enforcement officers serve the whole city and demanded the council hire more, noting residents have stopped filing complaints because nothing happens.
Landscape Maintenance District Contractor Performance
Mayor Pro Tem Knaus pulled the assessment levy item to blast landscape maintenance contractors for not delivering the level of service taxpayers pay for, citing unkempt medians and past contractor damage. She's asking for audits and higher accountability.
Recording and streaming of public meetings
Commissioners want meetings recorded and uploaded to YouTube so residents can watch, since last month's video appeared online a week later. A future agenda item will explore regular videoing.
$300,000 Litigation Settlement
The city settled the Jeffrey Lamont Williams lawsuit for $199,999 in closed session — public taxpayer money resolving litigation behind closed doors.
Restoring the arts and culture development impact fee
The commission wants to review the old development impact fee that once funded arts and culture, potentially reviving it and recommending it to the City Council as a revenue source for public art.
Two-Step Lease Approval Policy
New rule requires council sign-off before staff negotiate leases of city property. Passed 5-2 over objections it politicizes routine administrative work.