Hollister · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hollister public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Hollister Independence Rally spending amid budget crisis
Speakers slammed the council for continuing to fund the motorcycle rally (roughly $500,000 cost, $150,000 city contribution) while laying off employees and declaring a fiscal emergency.
City attorney legal services agreement with Hanson Bridgett LLP
The city is bringing in Hanson Bridgett LLP for city attorney and legal services. It shapes who advises the city on litigation, contracts, and closed session matters — and the 4-1 vote shows it wasn't unanimous.
Integrative Waste Management fee increases
Trash collection rates are going up as part of the annual adjustment — only 236 people protested out of the 5,091 needed to block it. Council members want a bigger push to sign up low-income and fixed-income residents for the discount program.
City Manager authority expansion
A 45-year resident accused the city manager of accumulating too much power, replacing institutional knowledge, and putting inexperienced people in critical roles; another speaker defended her. The council took no action.
New Human Resources, Risk, and Technology Director position
The city is creating a combined HR/risk/technology director job (salary up to ~$220,000) to fix thin HR staffing, chronic workers' comp claims, and unclear policies. Critics worry the role's 'spokesperson for the city manager' language creates conflicts of interest.
Council agenda request policy compliance
The council spent significant time debating whether to act tonight or follow its 2024 policy requiring agenda request forms and a future meeting before action. The Mayor insisted on following the process, while Councilmember Morales objected that the policy hadn't been consistently followed on other topics.
San Benito County tax sharing agreement
After attending a Board of Supervisors meeting, Cortez plans to audit all city-county cost sharing arrangements — vet park maintenance, fees, developer contributions — to make sure Hollister isn't paying more than its share.
Special event and banner permit fees
Event organizers will gradually start paying the city's actual costs for street closures and permits — 10% more each year until full cost recovery — with nonprofits paying half. The Hollister Downtown Association gets a separate MOU negotiation.