The Hollister City Council convened on December 3, 2024, to address pressing financial issues and public safety concerns affecting the city. The meeting began with a focus on the city's budgetary challenges, particularly the need for a public safety sales tax initiative. Council members discussed the importance of maintaining high-quality police and fire services, emphasizing that without adequate funding, essential positions could be compromised.

One council member highlighted the successful implementation of a public safety sales tax in Visalia, which had a five-year sunset clause and was renewed after its initial term. This model was presented as a potential solution for Hollister, with a call for data collection to support the initiative. The council member expressed willingness to assist in the process, noting that citizen-led initiatives have a lower vote requirement.

The discussion then shifted to the city's financial audits, which revealed significant issues stemming from uncompleted audits for the fiscal years ending June 2021 and June 2022. These delays have had a substantial impact on the city's finances, complicating budget planning and affecting credit ratings. The current city manager and staff were commended for their efforts to rectify these issues and implement better financial procedures.

Council members also addressed the need for collaboration with the county regarding fire services. Concerns were raised about the county's reluctance to engage in a contract that would fairly compensate Hollister for its fire services, which have historically subsidized county operations. The council expressed hope for renewed cooperation, emphasizing the mutual benefits of working together to support local firefighters.

As the meeting progressed, the council discussed the importance of increasing fees for city services, which have not been adjusted in over two decades. This adjustment was deemed necessary to reflect the growing costs associated with maintaining city infrastructure and services.

In conclusion, the Hollister City Council meeting underscored the urgent need for financial reform and collaboration to ensure the sustainability of public safety services. The council plans to continue exploring options for a public safety sales tax and will work towards resolving outstanding financial audits and service agreements with the county. The next steps will involve further discussions and studies to address these critical issues.