[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-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",[32,74,86],{"_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":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6536521,"mediaKeyId","3782966-1c9ca092d9450d815ae36ef56568f45d","parentId",3782966,"title","Soledad council members express solidarity with immigrant communities after ICE raids, urge restraint in local enforcement","audioSeconds",728,"startMs",9592000,"endMs",10320000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3782966-1c9ca092d9450d815ae36ef56568f45d&start=9592&end=10320","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3782966-1c9ca092d9450d815ae36ef56568f45d/thumbnail_9592000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6536521/Soledad-City/Monterey-County/California/Soledad-council-members-express-solidarity-with-immigrant-communities-after-ICE-raids-urge-restraint-in-local-enforcement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6536521-afa8daffd0992315616a76fed1512947/orig.mp4?Expires=1775299686&Signature=PJC1fCtGbIkkwbde7pQHjcsyo0GLhHz7kPyxqLnbGgRLGPb8153YusqNHm0-vidGJdk-PbevASuMndemrMMdiDQBY4AXj5nVbk7kT-QPCExrcGUhHUPRkRPuUy4B8o16bL9fhLg41NUOVCyqqwj0XjC1WN-Zz7fwY90NboGz--10EXkAq42W4wWyhjo3Nxs5q68Z7Svdt1B~1F8hLmeI0AxkE5n56u19AQWFJ~doL2MXy9yTAu7qUl8wT~sZanvsKl2vfOZQ0cf-fpc1Ptd36Z9g0zxcHWWreF-7zFzaknVPE9CrnMvvZNU64Fkf0YLBwtJBvg-jQHSL7s2Mb9yzTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-12T00:57:40Z","article","Several Soledad council members used an added council‑comment period at the end of the June budget workshop to address recent immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles and to assure local residents that municipal law enforcement does not enforce federal immigration law.

Mayor Anna Velasquez read a statement expressing solidarity with affected families, described the raids as causing fear and anxiety in immigrant communities, and reiterated that local policing focuses on public safety rather than immigration enforcement. “We are not here to enforce immigration laws,” the mayor said in the council chamber.

Other council members echoed support for residents and asked the city to continue posting resources for immigrant families. Council members also urged orderly, lawful public demonstrations; one speaker noted that the manner of demonstrations — including use of foreign flags in confrontational ways — can increase fear among families and students.

Why it matters: Soledad has a large immigrant population and several council members emphasized that city officials should communicate available resources and the limits of local authority so that residents understand what protections and services the city can offer. Staff said the city’s website includes immigration‑related resources and that the city will continue to share information.

No formal action or resolution was taken at the meeting; council comments were informal statements for the public record.

Ending: Councilmembers closed the discussion asking staff to post available immigrant‑services resources on the city website and to keep the community informed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","06-11-2025 Special City Council Budget Workshop","oneSentenceSummary","At the close of the June budget workshop the council allowed comments on recent ICE operations in Los Angeles; the mayor and several council members expressed solidarity with immigrant residents, noted local law enforcement does not enforce federal immigration law, and urged calm and lawful public engagement.","taxTitle","Soledad City, Monterey County, California","taxId",72163,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6536522,"Soledad staff warn Measure Y sunset could create multi‑million dollar cliff; polling under way on parcel tax to fund Cal Fire staffing",3582,1532000,5114000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3782966-1c9ca092d9450d815ae36ef56568f45d&start=1532&end=5114","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3782966-1c9ca092d9450d815ae36ef56568f45d/thumbnail_1532000.jpg","/articles/6536522/Soledad-City/Monterey-County/California/Soledad-staff-warn-Measure-Y-sunset-could-create-multimillion-dollar-cliff-polling-under-way-on-parcel-tax-to-fund-Cal-Fire-staffing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6536522-880675421700c2aee299b82085725a55/orig.mp4?Expires=1775299686&Signature=doIqTeGX7BbPmTDAhEPFQFDOZOBIKlD0fXDx9IWpGASCwdfZfgh8RIe1q4Kaff-bIyzbOaIEYR7raxYXG30J1xmR23D3C8OYZqDfn2Zgp0NSd-AAnADa1az7U3RloS7NY9phSwTxN9DT44imdcxhSmU-9l8OWWu1DRbwt~9jvuelRD1fgKS~KLRbjcFjRueamvjezBTmHyvnL3kUCr3h71V08XF0Bqq8FxwfxKGJBbcgWPpS8ufvfN4AD4g9UUioSW85b1BwSCmbLiFPZdrbCj~3DlT~qEaZ~BGkEz4HXn2o65gku89G5arZj3OeOwNjXF2PlFRAwA2CQKc5s-LVBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Soledad City Council that the scheduled February 2032 sunset of Measure Y — the city’s transaction‑use tax — is the single largest long‑term fiscal threat to municipal services and that the city is testing a narrowly targeted parcel tax to pay for increased CAL FIRE staffing.

Finance staff said Measure Y currently accounts for about 16 percent of city revenues and cited consultant projections of roughly $2.4 million annually. Staff warned that if Measure Y expires without replacement, the city could face a revenue shortfall in the $2 million–plus range that would require difficult choices including layoffs or service reductions.

To address a near‑term funding gap for fire services, staff said they are pursuing polling and outreach. The model under consideration is a partial parcel tax patterned after a nearby city’s approach; if polling shows voter appetite, staff said the measure would be structured to be dedicated to fire services only. Staff said poll results are expected at the end of the month and that they plan to return to council with recommendations in August.

Why it matters: staff said rising costs for CAL FIRE contract staffing are already pressuring the budget. The contract requires the city to move to three personnel on an engine consistent with national safety standards, a change that raises recurring personnel costs. Staff emphasized that any parcel tax, if proposed, would be earmarked for fire services and that education and outreach would be needed to explain how sales tax and transaction taxes are paid in part by non‑residents who shop in Soledad.

Details from staff presentation:
- Measure Y adoption: originally adopted in February 2012; staff noted the city has used some Measure Y proceeds to build reserves and to cover public‑safety and departmental costs over time.
- Staff projection of Measure Y revenue: roughly $2.4 million annually (consultant HDL projection stated in meeting).
- Parcel tax approach: staff said the proposal under study would be a partial parcel tax paid by property parcels and dedicated to fire services; staff said the parcel tax would not cover the entire CAL FIRE contract but would narrow the gap and be structured to be revenue‑earmarked for fire services only.
- Timeline: staff said a consultant poll will report results at the end of the month; staff anticipated returning with recommendations to council in August.

Staff cautioned the council against placing multiple ballot measures too close together and said outreach would be needed to explain the difference between extending an existing tax (Measure Y) and creating a new parcel tax. Staff noted the city’s previous experience: Measure Y funds are currently fully allocated under prior council actions and largely committed to public‑safety costs and related items.

Ending: Finance staff urged the council to begin strategic planning now to avoid a fiscal cliff in 2032 and said staff will return with polling results and a recommended schedule if the public shows sufficient appetite for a parcel tax to help stabilize fire funding.","City staff told the council Measure Y will sunset in 2032 and represents about 16% of Soledad's revenues; staff are polling residents about a parcel tax targeted to fund increased Cal Fire staffing and plan to return with recommendations this summer.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6536527,"Soledad staff present balanced $60.5 million proposed FY2025–26 budget; council to consider adoption next week",4370,1103000,5473000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3782966-1c9ca092d9450d815ae36ef56568f45d&start=1103&end=5473","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3782966-1c9ca092d9450d815ae36ef56568f45d/thumbnail_1103000.jpg","/articles/6536527/Soledad-City/Monterey-County/California/Soledad-staff-present-balanced-605-million-proposed-FY202526-budget-council-to-consider-adoption-next-week","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6536527-5c65638a674f9a547580bcd2999d5a74/orig.mp4?Expires=1775299686&Signature=NLk~mOFtiZRJqNaBvGNDo-ApyPE-d0yc9qKDG47IqeIRBK-SZP1pBa6rvLxf5G~F8S5d~kAJRzUFC~0Nyaj3bMUMTxQPi4eDu6NBovQU~AFxDirNa1oHDqoqvYfVlOdUXWmC2kROQ7l2O4DAzJnLDuBJdxJwdwjf61cRkBzLyAxGgNJiw~p~szL7Y3VCpEaivP1gE03iZJJ5F5JfCfQS3ZvV202GpEifrfcuZrTX2t0wpUPt4l8gg6zSYBSOKwxLoebFUQ3W-66X31z-IUK2kfUXmgvemjFaRs0iurCBwWFzr5QhKjuFTF0S2Ea3X003ETKfGg2vAePXbNBgxm6SsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Soledad city staff presented a recommended $60.5 million operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2025–26 at a June budget workshop, asking the City Council to review the document and return next week to take formal action.

The city manager recommended the proposed budget and said it is balanced for 2025–26 “with the use of $510,000 of our general fund operating reserve.” Finance staff described the binder and supporting exhibits as “the collective work of over 200 hours to put this binder together.”

City staff said the proposed budget keeps staffing flat with no new full‑time positions while incorporating three reclassifications: two reclassifications in community and economic development (including converting an administrative assistant and a building permit technician into development permit technician roles), a police sergeant reclassified to lieutenant, and an assistant engineer reclassified to a project/construction manager. Staff noted the budget reflects a status‑quo approach and additional internal cuts were discussed but judged impractical for department operations.

Why it matters: staff described the budget as fiscally balanced for 2025–26 but thin, with limited room for additional operating expenses or capital spending absent new revenue. The presentation stressed several risks that could widen future deficits, including rising personnel costs, escalating construction prices and the scheduled 2032 sunset of Measure Y (the city’s transaction‑use tax), which staff said represents roughly 16 percent of general‑fund revenues.

Key figures and programs cited by staff:
- Citywide operating and capital program (proposed): about $60.5 million.
- Projected general‑fund capital reserve at 6/30/2026: approximately $7.3 million.
- Proposed use of general‑fund operating reserve to balance 2025–26: $510,000.
- Measure Y projected annual revenue (staff projection via consultant HDL): roughly $2.4 million (about 16% of city revenues).
- Measure S subsidy of recreation by the general fund in the proposed budget: $820,000.
- Water fund: projected revenues about $5.0 million, expenditures about $5.2 million; one outstanding debt instrument balance noted at $756,000 (matures in the 2033–34 time frame according to staff).
- Wastewater fund: projected revenues about $8.3 million, expenditures about $11 million; budget includes about $2.7 million of capital spending and an annual $1.5 million debt service payment; staff reported about $23 million outstanding on that loan and noted the loan does not retire until the 2039–40 period.

Capital priorities listed in the proposed budget include repairs to city hall and the police‑department roof, reclaimed water (\"purple pipe\") work, water‑meter replacements, well rehabilitation and water‑tank rehabilitation, slurry seal and pavement preservation, pedestrian safety enhancements, manhole replacements, and the West Street complete‑street project. Staff also said the city will launch a water and sewer rate study this summer to inform enterprise fund rates for the next five years.

Staff also summarized other funds and constraints: enterprise funds (water, wastewater, solid waste, sanitation) operate as separate business units; special‑revenue funds (gas tax, SB1, Measure X allocations, community development grants) are legally restricted to specified uses; and the successor agency remains on autopilot to pay outstanding bonds tied to former redevelopment agency territory.

Next steps and formal requests: staff said they will return to the council at the next regular meeting with the formal adoption ordinance and supporting resolutions. Staff listed the actions they expect to bring for adoption next Wednesday: accepting and approving the FY2025–26 budget, authorizing accounting realignments to close fiscal 2024, transferring $132,715 in sale proceeds into a successor housing fund, adopting position allocations and the salary schedule required by PERS, and reaffirming the city’s emergency contingency reserve policy.

Action taken at this workshop: the council voted to add a standard “council comments” period to the end of tonight’s agenda (motion moved by Councilmember Santo Sanchez; vote: unanimous). No final budget adoption occurred at this meeting.

What staff emphasized for the public: the presentation repeatedly urged transparency and community engagement; staff also noted several ongoing community development projects (Ace Hardware, Dutch Bros, Panda, DaVita dialysis center, Tractor Supply, Real Rock Brew Pub, Holiday Inn entitlement) and a multidecade Miramonte housing project that could add thousands of homes over time and affect long‑term city needs.

Staff contacts and material: the council received the city manager’s budget message, a complete binder of exhibits for FY2025–26 and the five‑year capital improvement program, and a slide presentation summarizing fund balances and key assumptions. Finance staff encouraged council members to submit detailed questions during the week so staff can return with answers before the adoption vote.

Ending: Councilmembers praised the staff work on the binder and said they would review the materials in detail before the scheduled adoption vote next week.","City staff presented a status‑quo operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2025–26 that uses $510,000 of the general‑fund operating reserve to balance the ledger, highlights looming capital needs, and schedules formal adoption at the council's next meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Soledad council members express solidarity with immigrant communities after ICE raids, urge restraint in local enforcement

Soledad staff warn Measure Y sunset could create multi‑million dollar cliff; polling under way on parcel tax to fund Cal Fire staffing

Soledad staff present balanced $60.5 million proposed FY2025–26 budget; council to consider adoption next week