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Vallejo Sister City Commission reviews expenditures, $12,000 in remaining funds and reimbursement process
Summary
Commissioners reviewed reimbursement practices and identified about $12,000 in unspent commission funds, debated whether the mayor’s office should make direct purchases instead of relying on the association to front costs, and asked staff for ongoing budget reports; minutes for Dec. 15, 2025 and Feb. 5, 2026 were approved.
The Vallejo Sister City Commission on March 16 reviewed submitted reimbursements, discussed streamlining purchases and ordering commissioner badges, and agreed to improve regular budget reporting after staff said roughly $12,000 remained unspent for the fiscal year.
Clerk and staff reported that only small expenses had been submitted so far but that the commission would soon receive an invoice for dues from Sister Cities International; staff estimated the commission still had about $12,000 in available funds. “At this point, that leaves us with about $12,000 worth of funds that have not been…” staff said, prompting commissioners to caution against creating spending for its own sake and to ask for a standing budget update at each meeting.
Commissioner Lam recommended streamlining purchases by using the mayor’s office for direct commission purchases rather than having the Sister City Association front costs and seek reimbursement later. Staff confirmed direct purchase is possible and said it had been used previously for youth activities, though some last-minute flexibility has led associations to front expenses historically. Commissioners asked staff to clarify what should be initiated by the association versus what the commission should purchase directly.
The commission also discussed ordering badges with names and the city logo for commissioners who may attend delegation visits. Staff said badges can be ordered promptly and that itineraries must list delegation participants so hosts know who is officially traveling with the city.
Procedurally, Commissioner Placido moved and Commissioner Lam seconded approval of the minutes for Dec. 15, 2025 and Feb. 5, 2026; the chair called for the ayes and announced the motion carried.
