The Yucaipa City Council on Dec. 8 voted to repeal its local approach of allowing unlimited campaign contributions and to rely on California’s state default contribution limits, a step council members and public speakers described as balancing transparency and administrative cost.

Staff summarized options: keep the current no‑limit local ordinance (Ord. 440), repeal it to adopt the state default limits (currently $5,900), or draft a new local ordinance with a set limit that would likely require an enforcement agreement with the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) at an estimated minimum cost of $55,000. Several residents and speakers urged stricter limits to avoid the appearance of undue influence; others warned that contribution caps can advantage incumbents and push spending into independent expenditure committees (PACs).

After public comment (including Holly Warner urging reform and Brett Granlund and Donna Snodgrass cautioning about unintended effects), Councilmember Miller moved to repeal Ordinance 440 and default to the state limit (Option 2). The motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote. Councilmembers recorded support for Option 2 in the meeting minutes.

City staff noted that defaulting to state limits places enforcement responsibility with the state and avoids local staff and budget burdens. The clerk and city attorney will formalize the repeal and notify appropriate agencies so that state limits and enforcement apply.

The action changes the city’s local campaign finance posture ahead of scheduled municipal races; further council review can revisit limits and enforcement models if members wish.