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.
City Staffing Vacancies and Temporary Workforce
SEIU Local 521 presented data showing a 9.5% vacancy rate, roughly 309 unbenefited temporary workers, and management outnumbering service staff. The union asked the city to stop unbudgeting service positions and reduce reliance on temps and contractors.
Recreational needs and future park investment priorities
Staff gave a high-level budget overview with recommendations for financial sustainability. The FY2027 budget arrives at the April meeting, when real funding choices for parks maintenance and programs will come into focus.
Distribution of FY 2027 CBO funding
The commission has $33,500 in FY 2027 funds to distribute — $18,500 to community-based organizations and $15,000 to self-defense vouchers. A new ad hoc will draft a proposal on how to allocate it fairly, after an initial RFP-process idea was repealed.
FY2027 sister city program funding
The Committee split next year's budget: $850 each for Shingu, Biarritz and Puerto Escondido subcommittees, $350 for the Sestri Levante writing contest, and $600 for admin costs.
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.
FY 2027 Proposed Budget
The council adopted a roughly $494 million budget, including the capital program. Big themes: continued infrastructure investment, a future Office of Well-being, and a looming water-rate conversation driven by conservation success.
Office of Well-Being
Council kicked off exploration of a citywide Office of Well-Being to coordinate health-in-all-policies work, with a transparency dashboard and neighborhood micro-grants possibly launching by 2027.