[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6222904,"mediaKeyId","3577989-8db44a67b4896810ac8a0ce7c16ba087","parentId",3577989,"title","Greenfield officials: wastewater plant near capacity; state funding uncertain, rates likely to rise","audioSeconds",625,"startMs",893000,"endMs",1518000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3577989-8db44a67b4896810ac8a0ce7c16ba087&start=893&end=1518","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3577989-8db44a67b4896810ac8a0ce7c16ba087/thumbnail_893000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6222904/Greenfield-City/Monterey-County/California/Greenfield-officials-wastewater-plant-near-capacity-state-funding-uncertain-rates-likely-to-rise","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222904-a61cc6e38eef93d0eb28942375477d79/orig.mp4?Expires=1775321730&Signature=Sm99ZAs7E1s6OwMVUBDXSUE9z~C6g8Nszliab3uNraKs~yES~EPri5vZdP91CUiwGCkX58wf1BYTUhmXUPpOfFeKEvJoFFfVREXduumwvgmq6tUwLzTZsuh2GeNndZJkwQPlKdJZnK1Bd3vTNnDQb87B2u290aS~ndwf6mHb4xmwoZ7QDV0AIrCc~ZDgfGajVODzj7TxOkql2h3AIgbKGIdACg9kNMRU8yC3OxjxUZc7ZCkDDxcqjjji~wC2swc3C9c-VjoPU-1yx1Mcex7LRBG3YKLJ2CHts-6moMJGLT0LlhU9syJoip-wEOdWDTFd0ooDvrb2l2j5mztYyl~dhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Greenfield CA","date","2025-05-28T16:35:28Z","article","At the May 27 Greenfield City Council meeting, city staff briefed the council on the status of the Greenfield Wastewater Treatment Plant and said the plant will need phased expansion and new rate revenue if state funding does not materialize.

Luis, a city utilities staff member, said the city adopted a wastewater treatment master plan in 2021 evaluating membrane bioreactor technology as an alternative to an oxidation ditch. “The state of California then came back and informed us that they did not have the money available,” Luis said, describing an earlier expectation that the state would cover most costs. He told the council the city spent about $4 million to make the project shovel-ready and later applied for a $15 million state grant or low-interest loan.

The city reported a recent failure in one rapid infiltration basin that caused a minor spill and noted staff repaired the basin and expanded spray-field capacity to reduce pressure on the system. “We did get an approval to expand the spray field,” Luis said, noting regulators also allowed the city to spray for longer periods during higher wind conditions.

Why it matters: several housing projects — including Greenfield Commons (phase 1 and anticipated phase 2) and Walnut Terrace phases 2 and 3 — are expected to come online and increase wastewater flows. City staff said the plant’s effective permitted capacity is now about 1.2 million gallons a day (the city previously had a 1.5 million‑gallon figure before the spill and subsequent recalculation). To address projected growth, staff outlined a two‑phase expansion: a near term increase to roughly 1.6 million gallons a day and a later expansion to about 2.0 million gallons a day.

Luis said that with the state backing away from full funding, the city will look to a mix of the city’s funding and state low‑interest loans and that the wastewater fund’s recurring revenue source is user fees. “We’ll have to raise our rates again since we did this just last year,” Luis said. City Manager Paul Wood told the council the city is lobbying state officials and has visited Sacramento to meet with the State Department of Finance, Senator Laird and Assembly Member Rivas. “We need some real help, and we need help from our electeds,” Wood said.

Council members pressed staff about options to appeal the state water board’s decision to lower the city’s permitted flow; staff said engineers believe an appeal is unlikely to succeed. Staff said the city plans to submit a rate‑study proposal to the council and expected to return with additional details at the June 10 or June 24 council meeting.

Next steps: staff will proceed with a rate study and seek formal funding agreements with state agencies if a $15 million loan/grant becomes available. The city also continues short‑term operational fixes (spray‑field expansion, belt press, pump repairs) while pursuing the two‑phase expansion and associated financing.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 27, 2025 - City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At the May 27 Greenfield City Council meeting, city staff briefed the council on the status of the Greenfield Wastewater Treatment Plant and said the plant will need phased expansion and new rate revenue if state funding does not materialize.","taxTitle","Greenfield City, Monterey County, California","taxId",71906,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6222889,"Greenfield begins budget season: workshop set for June 5 as staff outline $1 million deficit and department priorities",5536,1558000,7094000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3577989-8db44a67b4896810ac8a0ce7c16ba087&start=1558&end=7094","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3577989-8db44a67b4896810ac8a0ce7c16ba087/thumbnail_1558000.jpg","/articles/6222889/Greenfield-City/Monterey-County/California/Greenfield-begins-budget-season-workshop-set-for-June-5-as-staff-outline-1-million-deficit-and-department-priorities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222889-7ee4d1e81e0470d8076f88efd36f756e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775321730&Signature=frwR8urOQMt3pWzAv~FFA0xCGM~K3HTtflcVuOsygw9ip8UQFwShCiJnrCNBNppSRiqYpg3lAwR8KX6logxEu2FN2W-Tp4nzEHX0sEsgnaLMmKcVzibaVVOiLoHAduSgalvPw5cpfG4B8cgSmgO2KUYDlakYRLw1Ii0hl1bLjxivlAnm4c3kNj0LR2~rp1MIbq8ZD3LS0rYsG5Pt12FoU3g0spYexDSKtuoH8BTvb1ay6No~8EBoRNtrhB-oswDRJeLqEXWgdgkQUojdKDDCAbJ4c5nnBo71aJWwurBnSlTxBKWQC~K30v6wOQO4dkTDtagZqZQ9~EHe~1757HQ0pA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its May 27 meeting, the Greenfield City Council reviewed the fiscal year 2025–26 budget calendar and received department‑level presentations from staff across public safety, public works, recreation, finance, planning and other departments.

City Manager Paul Wood and finance staff summarized the budget process and timeline. Staff said an initial draft showed a deficit just over $2 million; after a round of cuts the shortfall was reduced by about $1 million to roughly a $1 million deficit. Paul Wood said staff reduced operating and personnel items to shrink the gap and will bring a departmental line‑by‑line review at a public workshop scheduled for 6 p.m. June 5. The initial presentation of a finalized budget to council is scheduled for June 24 with a possible adoption before the June 30 deadline to begin the new fiscal year on July 1.

Assistant Director Evelyn Mullen (finance) reported two significant finance accomplishments: completion of financial audits for fiscal years 2022‑23 and 2023‑24 with no findings (clean opinions) and on‑time submission of several state reports. She said the finance team plans to seek national recognition for financial reporting and to complete the fiscal 2024‑25 audit by Nov. 30, 2025.

Department heads presented highlights and initiatives:

- Community Engagement: distributed emergency shelter services (286 nights for 33 individuals), helped 11 families with rental/deposit assistance, ran internship programs and will continue grant research and community events.

- Police/Public Safety: Chief Guillermo Mixer said crime has fallen in recent years, with no homicides last year, and described investments in precision policing, partnership reimbursements from federal agencies and new technologies such as a drone and Flock camera system for license‑plate recognition and live alerts.

- Fire: staff emphasized prevention, training and a pending fire‑prevention grant (about $180,000) that would include nearby high‑risk areas.

- Recreation: Jesus Perez described youth and adult program growth, ladies‑only sports programs and plans for expanded youth activities and a donated futsal court at Patriot Park.

- Planning and Economic Development: staff reported issuing 378 ministerial building permits this year, a 32% increase in business licenses over five years and that the city’s cannabis revenues have stabilized at about $2.3 million annually. Staff said building permits with valuation exceeding $176 million in projects were expected to be issued by June.

- Public Works and Utilities: Public Works Director Jamie Tugel and utilities staff discussed pavement and sidewalk projects, the Walnut Avenue pedestrian plan, completed repairs and ongoing procurement. Utilities staff reported work on water well replacement, backflow device replacements and wastewater improvements; they noted planned use of bid management software and ongoing FOG (fats, oils and grease) program enforcement.

Staff stressed constraints on the general fund and said most capital projects next year will rely on grants, Measure X, SB1 or other dedicated funds; the general fund will cover limited capital contributions (generators partly FEMA‑funded). Staff also said citywide personnel vacancies have been reduced significantly from earlier in the year.

Next steps: council will hold the June 5 budget workshop, receive the department‑by‑department review, and consider a proposed budget presentation on June 24 with possible adoption before June 30 so spending can begin July 1.","At its May 27 meeting, the Greenfield City Council set a budget workshop for June 5 after staff reported a roughly $1 million remaining deficit for the proposed FY2025–26 budget and outlined departmental priorities and grant‑dependent capital plans.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6222895,"Greenfield approves one‑year Fourth of July budget and fireworks contract amid cost concerns",631,1903000,2534000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3577989-8db44a67b4896810ac8a0ce7c16ba087&start=1903&end=2534","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3577989-8db44a67b4896810ac8a0ce7c16ba087/thumbnail_1903000.jpg","/articles/6222895/Greenfield-City/Monterey-County/California/Greenfield-approves-oneyear-Fourth-of-July-budget-and-fireworks-contract-amid-cost-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222895-46fab53dcd24f7a1285ed6d2ebc8fafe/orig.mp4?Expires=1775321730&Signature=XRXFqUPbvYb50gknR3dN3pZQb18Pxq1TRydjr4KrsCdRLPnooWtw2Z0VhmZDg4Wl1JipVQ09BTP-KBR8rmefQQ-eVrXCNlPKyngedMNnFBik1MOpBSLJuOhQzZtGsLCyJlhHPoNnbsPb31DyuaX-w8rhfOU1bI7Qf4qG5YHDv24wOvexVIrVAucnA1aVcZVMv40jxXZ6mTZ-ucdfOjCpfoE8erymo2OMtsD91e6RnjiSMx5-dwF5y0d7~~7qwm3rGRplzsBL7dLHLa1UKWT3tyFJuC2HmUYJ2ygrLAD7g5gCvRnmPJpfH3gVu4n1g1m34bqA70JT91ylawPOHTDQXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the May 27 meeting, the Greenfield City Council approved a fiscal‑year allocation to fund the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration and authorized a one‑year contract for fireworks with Pyro Spectacular Inc.

Jesus Perez, Greenfield recreation manager, told the council staff recommended shifting from a two‑year to a one‑year fireworks contract in order to maintain flexibility and explore other production options in future years. Perez said the proposed budget request for the event this year was $3,042,000 and the one‑year fireworks contract with Pyro Spectacular Inc. was for $25,500 for fiscal year 2025‑26.

A community member and former event organizer, John McLemore, provided historical context and requested the council memorialize 1998 as the year the city‑sponsored Fourth of July event began. “I fully support the contract with Pyro Spectacular,” McLemore said, and urged continuation of the tradition.

Councilmembers expressed broad support for keeping the event but several urged caution about costs and safety. One councilmember noted that spending tens of thousands on a one‑day fireworks show is a tough choice while the city faces large infrastructure needs. Another councilmember asked staff to plan for post‑show traffic and safety, and one suggested considering drone light shows as a lower‑risk alternative. Recreation staff said they are coordinating with police and public works on crowd and traffic management and plan to begin promotion soon.

After public comment, the council voted to approve the budget allocation and authorize the one‑year contract with Pyro Spectacular Inc.; the motion carried on a council voice vote with no recorded opposition.

The council did not adopt a multi‑year contract, leaving open discussion of alternatives and broader community involvement in future years.","The council approved the fiscal year 2025–26 budget allocation for the city’s Fourth of July celebration and a one‑year contract for fireworks with Pyro Spectacular Inc.; councilmembers urged careful planning and noted alternatives such as drone shows and public‑safety concerns.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6222900,"Greenfield accepts $408,163 LATA grant; city to reimburse Golden State Connect Authority for fiber design work",206,1707000,1913000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3577989-8db44a67b4896810ac8a0ce7c16ba087&start=1707&end=1913","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3577989-8db44a67b4896810ac8a0ce7c16ba087/thumbnail_1707000.jpg","/articles/6222900/Greenfield-City/Monterey-County/California/Greenfield-accepts-408163-LATA-grant-city-to-reimburse-Golden-State-Connect-Authority-for-fiber-design-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222900-70be1ac3c34c92414bfbfb94c34904de/orig.mp4?Expires=1775321730&Signature=d7UY9DSNyLOEx8yRakgB38wdrOJz4urq~VhxpvmHOxxVuBalY71ntZ2EVRx7okKVcr6AfEZ-Oz-5pEXHdkZ86aifZd2FIW8I2qdmW9yqhGrJQ6L5inpLo72UPNwWLd~Ng6Y9oNgDNJ8WrM7ABXP0c6bQoEiSqLFprTtsKufwCLpaLA~i11tgOc4blluNo9kw0pqDpD2jWFHPZgnET~pDmC5KQegMZ~aGmVjiNUFyvLVrPAqo9jCfDjQxGgOs1GE3zp7PTk1qrBD5mCSK34EtncM3RV538BZ4Q1pygidffHYN4VT0rMzMjBWEkN1NlemVtVliZl8JOLH3quhNI7walw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its May 27 meeting, the Greenfield City Council unanimously approved a resolution accepting a $408,163 Local Agency Technical Assistance (LATA) grant and a matching supplemental appropriation to reimburse the Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) for completed fiber‑optic network low‑level design work.

City staff explained GSCA managed 37 LATA grants for member jurisdictions and coordinated work on construction‑ready network designs and permit packages covering roughly 40 miles per jurisdiction. Staff said GSCA initially funded the consulting work for grantees and is now seeking reimbursements; the city is receiving the grant and will forward the reimbursement to GSCA.

“This is for low‑cost Wi‑Fi,” city staff said, describing the work as construction plans and hut designs that would allow broadband fiber to be laid and create a backbone for low‑cost internet providers in South County and areas south of King City.

After a public comment period with no speakers, the council voted on a motion to approve the resolution. The motion carried with an aye vote; no councilmember registered opposition.

The action allocates the $408,163 grant in the city budget and authorizes the supplemental appropriation to cover the reimbursement to GSCA. Staff said additional reimbursements under similar LATA grants are expected as other deliverables are finalized.","The council on May 27 accepted a $408,163 Local Agency Technical Assistance grant and approved a matching supplemental appropriation to reimburse Golden State Connect Authority for completed fiber‑design work intended to support low‑cost internet in South County.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Greenfield officials: wastewater plant near capacity; state funding uncertain, rates likely to rise

Greenfield begins budget season: workshop set for June 5 as staff outline $1 million deficit and department priorities

Greenfield approves one‑year Fourth of July budget and fireworks contract amid cost concerns

Greenfield accepts $408,163 LATA grant; city to reimburse Golden State Connect Authority for fiber design work