Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Leandro public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in taxes budget
Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Performance and Revenue Trends
The city reviewed preliminary financial results for fiscal year 2026, showing steady general fund revenues of $150.2 million and disciplined expenditures. Discussions focused on specific tax trends, utility users tax declines, and code enforcement fine reversals.
Fiscal Year 2027 Mid-Cycle Budget and Arts Funding
City staff briefed the commission on a massive $850,000 budget reduction target for the library department over the next three fiscal years to combat structural deficits. The cuts include freezing vacant positions and completely eliminating the commission's $50,000 public art and grants line item, though council members have expressed interest in potentially preserving grant funding.
Quarterly Investment Performance and Portfolio Liquidity
The committee reviewed second-quarter investment returns for the city's OPEB and pension trusts, noting positive growth across both portfolios.
City Council Priority Work Plans Review
The commission established four primary community projects for the next two years, including a library bike tour, a poetry contest, writing workshops for Latinx youth, and the Game of Shrooms art event.
Business License Tax Modernization
The council approved funding for community outreach to explore modernizing the city's business license tax structure for the November ballot to help address infrastructure and budget needs.
Potential Alameda County Budget Reductions
The commission reviewed potential county budget cuts that could affect social service programs and local senior resources.
Pension Trust and CalPERS Liability Management
The committee evaluated whether to draw down the city's Section 115 pension trust to help bridge budget deficits. Officials concluded that drawing down funds is too risky given CalPERS legal mandates, penalties, and long-term obligations.
Human Services and Parks and Recreation Department Reorganization
The city is reorganizing departments effective July 1, moving senior services to parks and recreation and human services into the city manager's office to achieve $350,000 in administrative savings.
FY 2027 Biennial Budget Adoption
Commissioners discussed ongoing city budget forums and potential impacts from county funding cuts and local cost-saving measures on security and community programs.
FY 2027 Master Fee Schedule and Tax Adjustments
The city is updating its Master Fee Schedule to balance cost recovery with public accessibility, while also proposing a 3% CPI increase on business license, emergency medical, and emergency communication taxes.
Local Revenue Measures and Feasibility Polling
The city is exploring potential new tax measures for the November 2026 ballot to address long-term budget and infrastructure deficits. A scientific poll will test voter appetite for modernizing business license taxes and implementing parcel taxes.
Finance Committee Meeting Cancellation
Today's Finance Committee meeting was canceled because not enough members showed up to form a quorum. This delayed important talks about city performance metrics and the Workday software project.
City Budget and Task Force Oversight
A resident called for the creation of a citizen budget task force to address city deficits and improve financial transparency.