Motion to call special election on sale of detention center property fails after heated debate
Loading...
Summary
Council considered but did not approve calling a special May 19, 2026 election to place a sale question for the San Luis Regional Detention and Support Center on the ballot; vote failed 3–4 after councilors debated voter confusion on a recent November ballot and the city's ability to reduce debt.
The council debated whether to call a special election to submit a question to city voters on the sale of property held by the San Luis Facility Development Corporation — property used for the San Luis Regional Detention and Support Center.
City attorney explained that the item had been on the November ballot and failed to pass; staff said that to make a May consolidated date the council needed to approve placement on the May 19, 2026 ballot. Proponents argued that voters may have been confused in November because of ballot timing and competing propositions and that a focused May ballot could produce a different result and help the city reduce debt related to the facility. Opponents said it was disrespectful to quickly re‑present a measure voters had just rejected and suggested delaying to a later consolidated election (e.g., next November) or waiting to better educate voters.
Legal staff explained that the forbearance agreement associated with project bonds contemplates efforts to sell the property and that trustee processes, bondholder structures and bond market mechanisms complicate timing; staff also noted the city has access to a limited reimbursement for election costs under the forbearance agreement. The motion to call the May special election failed by roll call (motion did not carry; recorded result 3 in favor, 4 opposed). Council later moved on to other agenda items.
