Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Dimas public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in taxes budget
Fourth of July celebration costs
Staff suggested skipping an annual Fourth of July event because of its cost and planning burden, keeping the City Birthday and Music in the Park events instead. Residents who love a hometown fireworks show had a stake in the outcome.
2027 Solid Waste Rate Increase
Waste Management requested a 3.51% increase to San Dimas solid waste collection rates for 2027, continuing year four of a five-year adjustment plan. This affects monthly trash bills for all residential and commercial customers.
EV Charging Fees at City Stations
Nine city EV chargers that are currently free cost the general fund over $100,000 a year in electricity — double what it was two years ago. The council signed a deal with Liberty Plugins to handle payments and will hold a public hearing to set the actual charging fee, with possible idle fees, resident discounts and senior rates on the table.
Citywide Landscape Parcel Tax Increase
LA County is considering a half-percent sales tax (the Healthcare Funding Restoration Act) for the June 2026 ballot. San Dimas is formally opposing it, arguing its residents already pay less than neighboring areas and voted down a local increase.
Adoption of the FY 2026-27 City Budget
The city's finances are trending better than feared: revenues are above projections, sales tax is up $200,000, and strong interest earnings are shrinking the projected deficit. The council approved amendments mostly to cover higher water costs.
Assessment district hearings continued
The Boulevard and Northwoods open space maintenance district hearings were pushed to June 23 over a noticing error — the Boulevard rate would rise 2.9% to $662.66 per parcel, while Northwoods stays flat at $449.21 as the district sunsets in January 2027.
City Hall HVAC boiler replacement
The 25-year-old City Hall boiler needs replacing, but the only bid came in at $226,148 — nearly double the budget. The council rejected it and staff will re-bid after tweaking the plans.
City staffing under AB 2561 transparency law
The state now makes cities publicly report job vacancies each year. San Dimas is in great shape: only 2 vacancies among 77 full-time positions, with a 1.6% vacancy rate at the end of 2025 — a sign of low turnover and stable city services.
City Manager compensation increase
The council quietly added a new retirement benefit for City Manager Brad McKinney: annual 401(a) contributions worth up to $28,787.62 a year, tied to the vacation hours he'd have accrued but for his 400-hour cap. Approved with no discussion on the consent calendar.
AB 1786 — Best-Value Contracting Support
The city signed onto a bill that would free cities from always taking the lowest construction bid on complex projects over $1 million. Council members said the lowest-bid rule has burned them before with problem contractors.
FY 2026-27 CDBG Funding for Housing and Community Programs
The city's $158,491 federal block grant will fund low-income home repairs (grants up to $15,000, or $40,000 for qualifying mobile homes), youth scholarships raised to $12,000, and a downtown restaurant assistance program. Last year the housing division spent $1.1 million across programs and helped 132 households.