Hollister City Council faces budget crisis with $4M deficit and community concerns

The City of Hollister is grappling with a significant budget crisis, as highlighted during the recent City Council meeting on June 3, 2025. Council members and public speakers expressed deep concerns over a projected budget deficit of $4.2 to $5 million, prompting discussions about potential layoffs and cuts to essential services, particularly within the Hollister Police Department.

Public comments were dominated by police officers and community members who voiced their worries about the impact of budget cuts on public safety. Alyssa Carrillo, a police officer, emphasized that further reductions could compromise the department's ability to respond to emergencies, putting both officers and the community at risk. She pointed out the contradiction of cutting public safety funding while planning costly events that have historically resulted in deficits.

Stacy Esqueda, representing the Hollister Police Officers Association, echoed these sentiments, recalling past layoffs and stressing the need for prioritizing community safety. David Anderson, another officer, criticized the city’s spending habits, arguing that discretionary projects should be reconsidered in light of the budget shortfall.

The council also discussed the rising costs of insurance, which are influenced by the city's claims history. The city manager explained that insurance rates are affected by the overall claims experience of all cities in the insurance pool, making it crucial for Hollister to maintain a low claim rate to manage costs effectively.

As the council deliberated, members acknowledged the need for fiscal responsibility while also recognizing the importance of maintaining public services. Council member Resendiz pointed out that the current council inherited the budget crisis from previous administrations, urging collaboration to navigate the financial challenges ahead.

The meeting concluded with a call for unity among city officials and staff to address the budget issues, with the city manager emphasizing the necessity of making tough decisions to avoid further financial decline. The discussions underscored the delicate balance between fiscal management and the provision of essential services in a growing community.