Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Saratoga public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in taxes budget
$165,000 Organizational Assessment Contract
Staff wanted to hire consultant Bell Burnette & Atwater to study how city hall runs — staffing, permitting, duplication, technology — before the spring budget cycle. With three new council members arriving next month, several members balked, and the council voted to hand the decision to the incoming council within three months.
Transportation Impact Fee study
The city is spending $85,000 to study charging new development a transportation impact fee to fund road and transit infrastructure. Findings come back to council in 4-6 months.
Mills Act Non-Renewal for 14065 Saratoga Avenue
The Council is ending a historic-property tax break at 14065 Saratoga Avenue because the owners never submitted the required 10-year maintenance plan despite years of outreach and a prior extension. The owner's property taxes will rise gradually over 10 years, and the owner can still protest until November 12.
LLA-1 Assessments and ALPR Camera Refunds
Annual landscaping and lighting assessments were confirmed. Residents who paid ALPR camera fees were told any refunds depend on the outcome of the pending sheriff contract decision.
November 3, 2026 municipal election
Three of five council seats are on the November ballot. Candidate filing runs July 13 through August 7, with a $25 fee; Saratoga will use a 200-word candidate statement, dropping its distinction as the county's only 400-word city.
Asset lifecycle and infrastructure stewardship
A new Asset Lifecycle Analysis looks at when the city's roads, buildings, and equipment will need replacement — the basis for long-term budget planning. Received and filed with no public comment.
City Fee Schedule Update
New fees for below-market-rate housing administration and stormwater inspections, a 3% bump on user fees, and removal of facility rental fees take effect July 1, 2026.
Potential Charter City Status and Revenue Study
Mayor Page wants staff to study making Saratoga a charter city so it could levy a property transfer tax — one possible revenue answer to the budget crunch, with Council Member Zhao supporting a broader look at all revenue options.
Council and Commission Expense Reimbursement Policy
The council updated its 2015 expense policy to let members take a city laptop and phone or claim up to $1,500 per term for work-related costs. Supporters said members shouldn't pay out of pocket for a volunteer job; critics worried about taxpayer cost and vague categories like internet reimbursement.
FY2026-27 Capital Improvement Program prioritization
Sheriff contract increases are forcing the city to cut capital spending by about $1.5 million below its historical $3.5 million. Council weighed scaled-down options for a Costco-area traffic study and emergency signage.
Pension funding and possible 115 trust
Saratoga's CalPERS plan is 82.6% funded, and the city already makes extra annual payments. Staff floated a Section 115 trust as a more flexible vehicle; most council members want more data before deciding.
Unrepresented Employee Compensation
Unrepresented city staff get a $500 one-time payment, a bigger in-lieu payment option, and a higher share of medical premiums paid by the city — matching deals already negotiated with the city's two bargaining units.
City Council Compensation
Council members earn $250 a month — unchanged since the early 1990s and well below neighboring cities — but every member said raising it now is wrong given budget pressures and the volunteer nature of the job.