Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Wasco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in taxes budget
Utility rate workshop coming November 10
Staff announced the first workshop on utility rates for Tuesday, November 10 at 4 p.m. — this is where future water bills could start taking shape, so it's worth tuning in.
New city facilities financing
The council is weighing how to pay for a new police department/city hall complex and a public works campus, with loan scenarios from $8M to $12M and a structured-loan option that could save about $5 million. Members want digestible public-facing materials before any decision, knowing residents will scrutinize the price tag.
Audit-related budget adjustment of $111,523.25
Wasco is in strong shape financially — about $25.6 million in general fund reserves, well above the 35% policy minimum. The council added $406,224 to the current-year budget, mostly from higher sales tax and Measure X projections, but Reyna pushed hard on recession worries and asked everyone to plan cautiously.
District 3 Appointment Saves $3,000
Because Valentin Medina was the only candidate to file for District 3, the council appointed him outright and canceled that election — saving taxpayers roughly $3,000. The District 1 contest between Gilberto Reyna and Aubrey Wimberly goes on as scheduled.
Assessments and special taxes confirmed
The council confirmed annual assessments for landscape, lighting, sewer, and police tax districts and authorized Kern County to collect two CFD special taxes — these are the routine charges that appear on property tax bills.
Payroll staffing gap
One of two payroll staff is on extended leave, creating a backlog; a temp hire via Creative Financial Staffing will cover until permanent staffing is resolved, with no late-payment penalties pending.
Appropriations limit set at $35.8 million
Annual state-required housekeeping: the Gann limit is $35.8 million but the city only spends $5.9 million against it, leaving huge headroom. No effect on day-to-day services.
4.5% Raise Extended to Non-union Managers
The amended salary schedule gives the same 4.5% cost-of-living bump already given to police association members to non-represented directors, middle managers and confidential staff.
FY 2026-27 budget reaffirmed under AB 2561
The proposed budget projects $18.2 million in revenue against conservative spending, showing a $1.4 million deficit (or $931,000 excluding tech reclassification). Council wants quarterly updates, a realistic capital project list, and six-month budgeting of vacant posts before adoption on June 16. Your city services and potential rate impacts hang on how this gets resolved.
November 3, 2026 Municipal Election
Council seats in districts 1 and 3 will be on the November ballot, consolidated with the statewide election; candidate filing runs July 13 to August 7.
City Manager Contract Renewal
The council renewed City Manager Scott Hurlbert's contract for two years at $217,510 annually, with up to three one-year extensions.
Return to County CDBG Program
Wasco is applying for up to $3.6 million in state CDBG money — $300K for the PAL youth facility and $3.3 million for a 1.5-million-gallon second water tank. Staff says the tank's added storage could support about 400 new homes, though a new well is still needed down the road.
City social media presence
Councilmembers Martinez and Medina again pressed for proactive city social media — saying most residents have no idea what the city is doing, from the police's gang-unit warrant raids to the downtown project.