Salinas Measure E committee accepts quarter‑2 financial report, votes to meet monthly

The Measure E Oversight Committee for the City of Salinas accepted its quarter‑2 financial report for fiscal year 2024–25 and voted Feb. 6 to meet monthly (or “monthly as needed”) instead of quarterly.

The report, presented by Acting Assistant Finance Director Abe Pedroza, showed Measure E revenues and spending roughly on pace through Dec. 31, 2024, while capital project activity remained limited. A member of the public urged the committee to prioritize street repairs and improve public education about how Measure E funds are spent.

Why it matters: Measure E is a local special tax measure intended to fund public safety, libraries, parks and recreation, and streets and sidewalks. Committee members said clearer public outreach and more frequent meetings will help the panel review budget recommendations ahead of the city’s budget process.

A public commenter during the meeting said oversight committees must meet reliably and urged officials to ensure Measure E expenditures match voters’ intent. “It is not acceptable for oversight committees not to meet as scheduled,” the commenter said, and warned that without visible road repairs “Adams Street … in 5 years it will literally be dirt.” The commenter also summarized the materials provided at the meeting, saying Measure E’s $18,000,000 is allocated roughly: about 40% to libraries, 28% to parks and recreation, 24% to police, 6% to administrative or miscellaneous costs, and 2% to streets and sidewalks.

Presentation highlights - Revenue timing: Pedroza said the report’s revenue figures reflected the timing of state payments and the months included. At the time of the presentation the finance team reported 34% received for transactions‑and‑use tax and 33% overall for the fiscal year-to‑date snapshot that originally covered July through October; with newer data through November, the fund was at about 41% through five months (benchmark 42%). Pedroza noted December receipts—typically higher because of holiday shopping—were expected to bring the fund in line with the annual pacing. - Expenditures and reserves: Through Dec. 31 Measure E spending was at 49% of the budgeted amount before transfers. The police department appeared above the percentage benchmark because the city prepaid a large CalPERS unfunded accrued liability obligation in July, which skews year‑to‑date percentages for personnel costs. Pedroza cautioned that the figures are unaudited: “Please note these numbers are unaudited.” - Capital program: The capital improvement program (CIP) included eight projects funded by Measure E totaling $2,900,000. Pedroza said limited CIP activity had occurred year to date and that transfers to capital projects were recorded at 0% so far. The Measure E fund began the fiscal year with about $19,900,000 in cash and was reported at about $20,700,000 at the presentation; roughly $2,900,000 was earmarked for capital projects and about $10,400,000 set aside for reserves, reducing available fund balance. - Reserve amounts in the presentation included (as listed by staff): a 115 trust reserve at $1,300,000; a community center District 5 reserve at $6,900,000; an Economic Contingency Reserve at $1,800,000; and an infrastructure maintenance reserve at $360,000.

Committee questions and staff responses Committee members asked how the oversight committee can request transfers or reallocation of Measure E funds. Finance Director Selena Andrews said the committee’s recommended changes must go through their city council member and that the city was beginning budget development for FY 2025–26, making this a suitable time to raise transfer conversations.

When asked whether Measure E’s “public safety” allocation included fire services, Andrews replied, “No, it does not. It’s just police.”

A committee member asked why slurry‑seal and park projects showed little progress. Kristen Lundquist, director of Library and Community Services, said the cluster park revitalization contract had been awarded and work was expected to begin the following month.

Committee discussion and public outreach Committee members — several of whom were attending their first meeting — said they wanted more public education about Measure E and proposed improving the Measure E webpage and providing committee members printed budget books and the budget guide glossary. One committee member suggested a “shop local” outreach idea to help keep sales tax receipts on pace.

Votes at a glance: Feb. 6, 2025 - Motion: Amend the Measure E Oversight Committee calendar to meet monthly or monthly as needed. Mover: Chair Mora; Second: committee member listed as Vaninsula (second recorded). Vote: Committee member Agamal — Aye; Committee member Hobby — Aye; Committee member Ish — Absent; Committee member Valenzuela — Yes; Chair Mora — Yes. Outcome: Approved. Note: committee directed staff to send an updated calendar and confirm attendance for the next meeting. - Motion: Accept minutes of the July 18, 2024 meeting. Mover: Chair Mora; Second: (recorded as “I second” by a committee member). Vote: Yes votes recorded from committee members identified in roll call as Grama (or Agamal/Grama, recorded variably), Javi, Valenzuela and Chair Mora. Outcome: Approved.

What was not decided No reallocation or transfers were approved at the meeting; staff advised the committee to work through their council members for any transfer recommendations. The committee received the unaudited report and asked for more detailed CIP progress updates from project staff.

Next steps and meeting logistics Committee members asked staff to provide printed copies of the budget book and to update Measure E information on the city’s website to improve public understanding. The committee set its meeting frequency to monthly (or as needed); staff said they would circulate the amended calendar by email and confirm the date for the added meeting (the next previously scheduled meeting was on April 17, 2025).