Salinas Measure E oversight panel reviews FY2025–26 Q1 finances, discusses library hours and CIP allocations

The Salinas Measure E Oversight Committee on Oct. 16 received an unaudited first-quarter financial report showing projected Measure E revenue of $17.2 million for fiscal year 2025–26, a $10.3 million capital-improvement program (CIP) budget and specific project allocations, and discussed restoring longer library hours.

Assistant Finance Director Abe Pedrosa presented the report and emphasized that the figures were unaudited: "Please note that the numbers are unaudited," he said. Pedrosa told the committee Measure E currently funds 90.5 full‑time positions across police, fire, recreation and the library and supports operating costs such as fleet maintenance, debt service for the El Gabilan Library and emergency‑service contracts.

The presentation showed $17.2 million in projected Measure E revenue for the year and that the city has recorded roughly 8% of the transaction‑use tax revenue so far — consistent with the 1‑of‑12 benchmark used for monthly comparisons because July receipts are the only month posted at this time. Pedrosa said the city had no recorded investment earnings for the quarter "due to the timing of when allocations are recorded and posted to the city's general ledger." He…