Santa Cruz · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Cruz public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
New utility portal ACH fee
A speaker flagged that the City's new online payment system charges $0.45–$0.47 per ACH bank transfer and asked the Council to eliminate it as a cost of doing business — no action was taken.
County Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District participation
The City will pitch Santa Cruz County on letting the City join the county's new EIFD, with a consultant contract amendment up to $197,500 total — a financing tool that channels tax increment into infrastructure.
Council and Mayoral Compensation
First pay raise for council in nine years: councilmembers to ~$2,653/month, mayor to ~$5,306/month. Supporters said it removes barriers so working people, renters, and single parents can serve.
Children's Fund Oversight Committee meeting rescheduled
The committee that oversees spending from Santa Cruz's sugar-sweetened beverage tax — money that funds children's programs — didn't meet on April 9. Its work was pushed to April 30, so any decisions about how those funds are monitored will come a few weeks later than planned.
Advisory Body Member Stipends (Policy 5.19)
The Commission was asked to direct staff to roll out communication and training on the City Council's policy giving advisory body members stipends. This affects whether and how volunteer commission members get paid for their service.