Pleasanton City Council faces criticism over new management roles amid layoffs

Concerns over budget decisions dominated the Pleasanton City Council meeting on May 22, 2025, as residents and local leaders voiced their frustrations regarding recent staffing changes and financial sustainability.

Longtime resident Arnie Olson expressed dismay at the city’s decision to add new management positions while eliminating frontline roles that directly serve the community. He highlighted the addition of an economic and business development manager and a second management analyst in human resources, questioning the rationale behind these hires amid layoffs of essential staff. “If the city can afford to add so many new positions, certainly it can afford to keep the two employees that are going to be laid off,” Olson argued, urging the council to maintain Pleasanton’s legacy of employee stability and community service.

In contrast, Steve Morselli, chair of the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, supported the proposed organizational changes that would merge community and economic development sections. He emphasized the importance of fostering a business-friendly environment to generate more revenue, stating, “The way to do that is to develop a business-friendly environment.” Morselli’s comments reflect a growing recognition among local leaders that enhancing economic development is crucial for the city’s financial health.

The meeting also touched on the city’s financial challenges, with residents calling for a reevaluation of user fees for city facilities. Concerns were raised about the sustainability of current funding models, particularly regarding the high subsidies required to maintain recreational services. “Pleasanton can no longer afford to be noble or aspire to have the most affordable rates in the area,” one resident cautioned, highlighting the need for a more balanced approach to funding city services.

As the council navigates these complex issues, the discussions underscore a critical moment for Pleasanton, balancing community needs with fiscal responsibility. The outcomes of these deliberations will likely shape the city’s approach to governance and community engagement in the years to come.