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Mayor pushes vacant-land tax while staff touts $7.1 million in transportation reimbursements and infrastructure projects
Summary
Mayor Gabriel Reyes reiterated support for a vacant-land tax he says could raise tens of millions for parks, public safety and roads; city manager announced recent SBCTA reimbursements and a planned wastewater plant upgrade adding 500,000 gpd. Council discussed project scopes and grant conditions.
Adelanto — Mayor Gabriel Reyes used the council meeting on May 28 to renew his push for a vacant-land tax proposal, saying it would generate sustained funding for parks, more first responders and road improvements — while city staff detailed multiple grant-backed infrastructure efforts already under way.
Lede: The mayor said a vacant-land tax could yield “over $130 million over 20 years” for long-term projects and called on residents to back measures that invest in local services.
Context and why it matters: The mayor described four priority areas — parks and recreation, law enforcement, sidewalks and capital improvements — that he said would benefit from a new revenue source. Several residents and callers urged caution, with one saying a land tax might face constitutional challenges in court.
Staff updates and grant dollars: City Manager reported the city had just received a $691,395 reimbursement from the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) for the Bartlett rehabilitation project, bringing total reimbursements to roughly $1.109 million to date. Mayor Pro Tem Tim Ramos said SBCTA action will return an additional $7.1 million for roads to Adelanto (comments credited to SBCTA outcomes). Saba, a city project manager, announced that the council chambers remodel is funded by a $500,000 state grant and that the project’s lowest responsive bid is $424,950 from Blue Builders.
Water and sidewalks: Staff described a wastewater-treatment-plant optimization project starting June 2 to increase capacity by about 500,000 gallons per day, with completion expected mid-to-late October. The Jonathan Street sidewalk project will extend sidewalks, curbs and gutters from Bartlett Avenue to Inca Avenue near Adelanto Elementary School to improve student access to transit and walkways.
Council reaction: Councilmembers thanked staff for pursuing grants and agreed the city should continue working regional boards to bring funds home. Councilwoman Marissa Evans urged careful oversight of change orders and clarity in bid documents after some members raised concerns about unanticipated design and utility issues in public-works contracts.
What’s next: Staff will return with written analyses of change-order histories and final billing for grant-funded street projects. The mayor reiterated his intent to pursue the vacant-land-tax measure in 2026 if the council elects to place it on a ballot and acknowledged legal and political hurdles ahead.
Ending: City staff prioritized grant administration, project timelines and clearer financial reporting; the council asked for follow-up on grant balances and final invoices in coming meetings.
