Waterford council approves resolutions setting Nov. 3, 2026 municipal election and candidate statement policy

The Waterford City Council approved three resolutions to call and consolidate the city’s upcoming municipal election and to adopt rules on candidate statements and reimbursements.

Staff explained that under municipal code the city typically consolidates its election with statewide elections and requested adoption of Resolutions 2026-31 (calling the November election), 2026-32 (requesting consolidation with Stanislaus County) and 2026-33 (adopting candidate-statement and reimbursement policy). The staff report said the county estimated the cost of printing candidate statements in the sample ballot at about $750 and the city would collect $750 deposits from candidates, billing any additional cost to the candidate or refunding any surplus.

During review there was an initial numbering/date confusion in the draft resolution language. Council clarified the election date as Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, and corrected the resolution numbering prior to voting. With no public comment, motions to approve each resolution were moved and seconded and each passed by a recorded vote of 3–0.

The staff report noted council seats for Christine Harris and Elizabeth Talbot will expire December 2026 and are therefore open for election. There was no public input on the item during the meeting.

The resolutions set administrative steps for election consolidation and candidate-statement handling; candidates will be asked to provide the $750 deposit referenced in the staff report to cover printing costs.