Hollister · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hollister public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
SEIU Local 521 labor agreement
SEIU members and city employees described stress, outsourcing rumors, and what they called disrespect from the city manager, and asked council members to meet with them directly.
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.
Future sales tax increase authority
Measure W, the 1% sales tax extension adopted in 2016, brings in roughly $9.4 million a year but expires in 2037. Former finance official Bill Avera warned that layoffs and lost public confidence could doom any future extension.
Rescission of sewer expansion fund loan to general fund
The city is unwinding a five-year loan that used sewer expansion money to cover negative balances in several other funds. It matters because it affects how sewer utility dollars and general city finances are managed going forward.
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.
New Deputy Finance Officer Position Amid Budget Crisis
The city is creating a senior management role focused on permitting revenue and capital projects while telling employees there's no money for raises and layoffs may come. Supporters say it will pay for itself and replace four positions; critics say the city can't afford it and the public should watch for follow-through.
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.
Building permit fee reductions
Business owners say the permitting process is slow, confusing, and expensive — one cited his July 4th encroachment permit jumping from $180 to $1,075. Ideas include permitting-efficiency reviews, advisory meetings to interpret building comments, and technology like AI-guided online applications.
HR1 federal cuts hit local families
Over 1,000 residents already lost CalFresh; Medi-Cal restrictions, nonprofit funding losses, and possible sewer and water rate hikes could create a 'triple whammy' for low-income households. A Health Trust grant will fund a strategic plan work group.
Airport finances turn positive
A hangar tenant says Hollister rents run two to three times Salinas rates and wants the long-promised rent study on a future agenda. The airport director says a study was done and a market-rate reset is planned once revenue improves.