Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Paula public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in taxes budget
FY 2026/27 mid-cycle budget and rising insurance costs
Property tax revenue is coming in higher than expected and the Harvest-driven permit revenues are on track, but sales tax came in about $24,000 short this quarter. Adjustments net a small positive for the general fund.
City Manager Dan Singer's contract will not be extended
The city publicly responded to the District Attorney's preliminary finding that the council violated the Brown Act around the city manager's expiring contract. The city attorney maintains there was discussion but no collective decision or vote, and framed the report as a voluntary clarification, not an admission.
Proposition 43 Opposition
The council formally opposed the November ballot measure that would require two-thirds voter approval for voter-initiated local special taxes — the same threshold already required for council-placed taxes — which opponents say would make it much harder to fund fire, road and homelessness services.
Vacancies on city boards and commissions
Santa Paula has open volunteer seats on six advisory and oversight bodies, from parks to the Measure T spending watchdog panel. The Council interviewed candidates and will pick appointees October 7. These volunteers influence city programs, historic design review, mobile home rent disputes and Measure T funds.
Interim City Attorney transition
The council unanimously appointed Kellan Martz as Interim City Attorney, and said farewell to Monica Castillo, who served the city from 2022 to 2026.
City Manager 2026 Performance Evaluation
The council privately reviewed how City Manager Dan Singer is doing in his job. No decisions or changes to his contract were announced afterward.
Two-way remote meeting participation under SB 707
Starting July 1 the city must let the public participate remotely in meetings by two-way audio/video, with a new policy on what happens if the stream fails. Council members flagged unbudgeted costs for off-site workshops and the need for a plan against meeting hacking.
November 3, 2026 municipal election called
The council considered letting voters decide whether Santa Paula should allow commercial cannabis businesses, which are currently banned. Staff projected $300,000–$600,000 in annual tax revenue, but opponents warned of youth access, health harms, and shrinking regional markets. The council declined to put the question on the ballot, 1-4.
City AI use policy
Santa Paula is writing rules for how city staff may use AI tools — banning automated decisions on permits, hiring, and public safety, and requiring human oversight. The policy comes back for a vote after edits.
Council Term Limits Request
Resident Joseph Beerhalter asked the council for the third time to place term limits on a future agenda. City Manager Dan Singer noted staff completed a term limits report in the recent past that was not supported, and will share it with Beerhalter and the council.
Dissolution of the cannabis standing committee
A special meeting is set for Monday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center to consider putting a retail cannabis measure on the November 2026 ballot — a large turnout is expected and the meeting will be translated and televised.
Ventura County fire contract and property tax share
Longtime critic Judy Rice again charged that the 2018 county fire contract is the city's worst financial deal and that Santa Paula keeps only 20 cents of every property-tax dollar, asking the council to order a property-tax revenue report.
Temporary labor agreements for emergencies
Vice Mayor Crosswhite's idea to set up an on-call skilled labor pool with the laborers' union for emergencies and staff shortages got a friendly reception; staff will study feasibility, AB 339 union-notice rules and funding.