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Soledad council receives revised AB 481 report after police disclose decades-old shotguns and recently purchased less‑lethal launchers
Summary
At a council meeting Aug. 5, city staff disclosed previously unlisted police equipment — decades‑old less‑lethal shotguns and two FN 303 launchers bought in 2025 — and introduced an ordinance to retroactively authorize the purchases. Council accepted the revised AB 481 report and set a public hearing for Sept. 16.
The Soledad City Council on Aug. 5 received a revised AB 481 annual report after staff disclosed military‑equipment and less‑lethal items that were omitted from an earlier filing.
City Attorney Mike Rodriguez told the council the police department’s updated submission adds two drones and two recently purchased FN 303 less‑lethal launchers (purchased December 2025) with 760 rounds of two projectile types, and records that several less‑lethal 12‑gauge shotguns and 330 rounds of beanbag‑style projectiles had been held in the department armory for more than 20 years. "We've already, anticipated it into the budget," City Manager Megan said when explaining how staff will account for related costs in the fiscal plan.
The disclosures prompted questions from council members about safety, functionality and oversight. Acting Chief (lieutenant) testified that the older shotguns were inspected by the department armorer and "they all currently operate," and staff said part of the ammunition would be used for training. Council members pressed for stronger intake and notification procedures to prevent future retroactive approvals; the city attorney said the department has now designated a specific intake officer who will notify the city attorney and council before any acquisition of military‑grade equipment.
Council introduced Ordinance No. 783, waiving full reading, to retroactively authorize the purchases and make required findings under the city’s military‑equipment policy; the ordinance will return for second reading and potential adoption on Aug. 19. The council also voted to receive the revised AB 481 report and directed staff to publish and properly notice a public hearing on Sept. 16 with the full revised report available online.
The council's action was limited to receiving the report and introducing the ordinance; no policy amendments or final authorizations were adopted Aug. 5. Staff repeatedly emphasized the process is intended to increase transparency and that future procurements will follow the intake-notification steps outlined by the city attorney.
The council will review the full revised report at the Sept. 16 public meeting; the ordinance will return on Aug. 19 for further action.
