Hollister · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hollister public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Proposed partnership with Sunnyslope Water District
A consent item would send a mayor's letter proposing a partnership with Sunnyslope Water District. Speakers claimed it masks a $400,000-plus contract tied to taking over city water operations, and urged residents to protest at the district's October 27 meeting.
Storm drain funding gap
Councilmember de Anda learned the storm drain program has no dedicated revenue — the utility was never created, so general fund dollars clean the storm drains. Turning it into a utility would require a taxpayer vote.
Public Utility Concessionaire for Water and Sewer
The water fund has been insolvent since 2018 and rates haven't been raised since then; rate increases are coming, and residents reported bills already jumping — one from $40 to $217 over six years. A $200 million pipe repair backlog looms.
Valenzuela water service upgrade
The Council authorized applying for low-cost State Water Resources Control Board financing to upgrade water service in the Valenzuela area.
Water infrastructure and ADRoP resilience project
The water district's master plan covers four treatment plant upgrades; the ADRoP facility is about drought resilience, not capacity. Recycled water for farmers is still about six months away due to nitrate levels.
2025 Water Quality Results
Hollister's tap water is 39% groundwater while Sunny Slope customers get 82% surface water — a historical staff-level decision, not a council policy. The council asked for costs to improve the blend and for a mix that gets chromium-6 below 10 parts per billion, plus a study session with independent experts.
Water rate increases and Proposition 218 hearing
New water rates take effect April 17. Notices go out in March, bill inserts are planned, and PG&E CARE program participants can get financial assistance by showing their PG&E bill.
Water rate increase from $17 to $33 base rate
Hollister water rates had not kept up with inflation and costs; the fund is running a deficit. The council chose a 30% bridge increase instead of 83%, with a 25% discount for low-income CARE-qualified residents, pending a deeper analysis in the fall.
Veolia wastewater contract amendment
After a year of violations at the wastewater treatment plant and a state water board visit, the council approved restructuring the Veolia contract into one-year terms, giving the city annual chances to hold the operator accountable or seek bids from other vendors.
Water Fund Structural Deficit and Rates
The water fund hasn't paid for itself since 2018 and is $21 million in the red. New water rates are coming within about a month and will appear in the FY 2026-27 budget with multi-year general fund repayments.