BARSTOW CITY COUNCIL /
BARSTOW FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
220 EAST MOUNTAIN VIEW STREET
BARSTOW, CA 92311
MAY 13, 2026
5:30 PM
(HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE)
MINUTES
JOINT SPECIAL MEETING/BUDGET WORKSHOP
Minutes-May 13, 2026
CALL TO ORDER :
MAYOR SILVA called the special meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
MAYOR PRO TEM NOBLE led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
James M. Noble Mayor Pro Tem Present
Barbara Mae Rose Council Member Present
John Williams Council Member Present
Carmen Hernandez Council Member Present
Timothy Silva Mayor Present
PARTICIPATION IS INVITED: IF YOU WISH TO BE HEARD ON ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA, PLEASE
SO INDICATE BY FILLING OUT A SPEAKER REQUEST CARD AND HANDING IT TO THE CITY CLERK PRIOR TO THE AGENDA ITEM BEING ADDRESSED. IF SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ARE REQUIRED, 48 HOURS NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN TO THE CITY CLERK.
CODE OF ETHICS: AS YOUR ELECTED GOVERNING BOARD, WE WILL REMEMBER THE "CODE OF ETHICS" THAT WE VOLUNTARILY AND UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. DURING THIS MEETING WE WILL TREAT EACH OTHER AND THE PUBLIC WITH PATIENCE, CIVILITY, AND COURTESY. THE DECISIONS
MADE TONIGHT WILL BE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BARSTOW COMMUNITY AND NOT FOR PERSONAL GAIN.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA: THIS IS THE TIME FOR MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BOARD TO CALL FOR REARRANGING THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA; ADDING ITEMS TO OR REMOVING ITEMS FROM THE AGENDA; OR REMOVING ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR SEPARATE ACTION. ITEMS MAY ONLY BE ADDED TO THE AGENDA AS ALLOWED BY STATE LAW, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54954.2, SUBDIVISION (B),
ALLOWING EMERGENCY ITEMS TO BE ADDED BY MAJORITY VOTE AND ALLOWING ITEMS THAT AROSE TO THE CITY’S ATTENTION AFTER THE AGENDA POSTING DEADLINE, BUT WHICH REQUIRE Minutes-May 13, 2026
IMMEDIATE ACTION, TO BE ADDED BY A TWO-THIRDS VOTE OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT
AT THE MEETING, OR, IF LESS THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE PRESENT, A UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THOSE MEMBERS PRESENT.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. CONTINUED CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE COST ALLOCATION PLAN, THE
COMPREHENSIVE USER FEE STUDY, AND AMENDING THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE AND CHARGES FOR CITY SERVICES EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2026.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Reopen the public hearing and receive public testimony regarding the Municipal User Fee Study.
2. Adopt the Resolution No. 5285-2026 approving the Citywide Municipal User Fee Study.
3. Adopt the updated municipal user fee schedule as presented.
4. Adopt the Resolution No. 5286-2026 approving the Municipal Cost Allocation Plan.
5. Direct staff to incorporate the updated cost allocation methodology and fee cost basis into the FY 2026/27 budget process.
6. Confirm the effective date for implementation of the updated user fees and cost allocation methodology.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS AND WILLDAN FINANCIAL SERVICES MIKE MEDVE - Presented a report to the City Clerk's office.
WILLDAN FINANCIAL SERVICES MIKE MEDVE
- Clarified that the cost of not updating these fees has resulted in a loss of 8 million dollars for the city over the last five years.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Expressed concerns about these losses, noting that the city is not being proactive. - Asked the city manager what prompted the investigation into this issue. - Requested an example of the deficiencies that contributed to the $ 8 million loss and how this impacts first responders.
- Inquired whether there is a possibility of waiving fees for non-profits or community events. - Asked about the potential revenue generated from these fee changes and how that revenue would benefit the city.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Mentioned that addressing this issue was one of her initial priorities, especially with the upcoming BIG project, and raised questions regarding Development Impact Fees and the User Fee Study. She noted that the last adjustment was in 2007 and applied only to the Community Development Department, with the prior update in 1997.
- Acknowledged the need for staff to be mindful of constituents and understood the council's decisions, noting that not achieving full cost recovery has resulted in significant revenue loss over time, contributing to current challenges faced by the city. - Stated that the deficiencies span across the city, including roads, parks, and various facilities affecting all city infrastructure.
- Confirmed that this impacts first responders in terms of equipment, manpower, etc. - Clarified that there is a process in place to waive fees for non-profits. - Assured that the use of park facilities will not increase because staff aims to enhance their Minutes-May 13, 2026
utilization.
WILLDAN FINANCIAL SERVICES MIKE MEDVE
- Stated that, because of the study fee increase, the annual revenue is projected to be approximately 1.3 million dollars.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Suggested that the issue is not straightforward as it pertains to income and resources; if the city lacks business activities, it will not generate revenue. - Requested clarification on the massage therapy fees.
- Asked how much the Community Development Department stands to lose if the new fees are not enacted.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Noted that ten years ago, the proposed fee for a massage therapy License was $575; however, the city council at that time opted to set the fee to $40, deviating from the study's recommendations.
- Clarified that the new study recommends setting the fee to $75. - Mentioned that Barstow chose not to raise fees, while surrounding areas have updated theirs and provided a scenario to illustrate the associated losses.
SPEAKERS
SHERRY BAILEY, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Explained that she misunderstood the fees last week and apologized for her prior comments, providing insight into her type of business.
- Requested an explanation of the fees she is currently paying, noting discrepancies with the proposed fees.
Motion by COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ, to suspend the rules and allow Mrs. Bailey to continue her comments beyond the three-minute limit, which passed 5-0.
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Inquired whether Proposition 218 affects sewer and license fees, noting that increases in these fees require a public hearing.
- Highlighted that fees had not been applied previously due to a lack of activity in the city, but they are now being introduced due to the BIG project, which will also impact residents. - Requested clarification on the Measure I funds from 2020 to 2025. - Expressed concerns regarding potential fee increases and urged the council to follow the proper procedures.
MAYOR SILVA CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:07 P.M.
WILLDAN FINANCIAL SERVICES MIKE MEDVE
- Confirmed that the staff is knowledgeable about Proposition 218, explaining that these fees do not affect the rates residents pay. When rates are established, they undergo Proposition 218 public hearing process.
- Noted that this matter is under Proposition 26, which differs slightly, as it pertains to user fees versus property-related fees.
- Clarified that fees tied to properties must go through the public hearing validation process, while fees related to services requested at the counter do not require this. - Mentioned that the business license processing fees reflect the actual work performed by city employees.
Minutes-May 13, 2026
CITY ATTORNEY ANDREW JARED
- Clarified that Proposition 26 governs these types of cost recovery fees, emphasizing that they are neither property-related fees nor taxes.
- Noted that the fee study provides the foundation for Proposition 26 fees and justifies their imposition.
- Mentioned that a public hearing is required for the public to ask any questions they may have.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Addressed Mrs. Bailey's concerns and expressed a desire for her questions to be answered.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS
- Stated that the staff should be able to pull the requested business license information if necessary.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Clarified that the business license fee is $40, along with a $24 renewal processing fee and a $15 TECH fee, and a $4 mandated ADA fee from the State of California, totaling $83 - Mentioned that the city's system is broken, leading to some fees being handwritten.
DISCUSSION
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Thanked the staff and city manager for their work on this item, stating that the city cannot have taxpayers subsidizing these costs any longer.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: James Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
CITY COUNCIL:
2. WORKSHOP PRESENTATION OF DRAFT OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends that the City Council and the Fire Board receive the presentation and review the draft Operating and Capital Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and provide direction to staff regarding the proposed spending plan.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON & FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS - Presented a report to the City Clerk's office
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Requested clarification on the $1.7 million deficit: where it is coming from and why the city is spending more than it has.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Stated that staff is recommending one-time use of funds. There is still an estimated $1.9 million in Measure Q funds to plan for various needed expenditures across the board.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Inquired about the source of the $70 million in revenue.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS
- Explained that the revenue projections are based on property tax, sales tax, and other taxes.
She noted that the city changed its accounting method in mid-year 2026. The existing contract Minutes-May 13, 2026
increases expenditures and revenues by about $30 million each.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Requested clarification on the Cannabis Fund Reserve. - Asked how much the city has in the general fund reserve. - Expressed the desire to build up the general fund reserve and inquired about the finance director's recommendations.
- Suggested that when the city hires a new employee, they should not start at the top salary.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS
- Mentioned that since the city began collecting revenue from the cannabis industry, referred to as the Community Benefit Fund, it has approximately $1 million available for events or special items at the council's discretion. These funds have not been spent, so they are sitting in a reserve account.
- Clarified that city reserves depend on the percentage of expected expenditures, with 5% designated for emergencies and 25% allocated for working capital, amounting to about three months of estimated reserves for unforeseen events. Currently, this total is approximately $6.5 million.
- Indicated that cities typically aim for a minimum of three months' reserves, noting that a 25% reserve is standard practice, which is reviewed annually and generally increased each year. - Highlighted that this reserve can be increased to cover up to six months.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Stated that reviewing the fund balance is essential to ensure the city has operating capital throughout the year. As the city stabilizes, she will recommend incremental increases to the reserves as it can afford to maintain operational capital.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR KIMBERLIE TURNER
- Explained that the success of recruitment depends on the specific position and the number of applications received, outlining the challenges the city of Barstow has faced in recruitment.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS
- Presented a report to the City Clerk's office
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Inquired whether the upcoming training sessions will be live or if they will be a combination of online and live training.
- Asked what additional memberships the city is acquiring for the Human Resources department.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR KIMBERLIE TURNER
- Confirmed that the training will be a combination of live and online formats. - Explained that one of the memberships is called SHRM, which is a society for human resource management. This resource provides legal templates and articles, making it a very helpful tool for staying up to date with new laws.
PUBLIC WORKS
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Requested clarification regarding the theft of tools at Public Works. - Asked if this incident relates to the addition of new equipment.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDERTH
- Stated that someone had broken into the facilities and stolen certain tools. - Explained that there are three aspects to the budget, and theft will be included on the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) list.
Minutes-May 13, 2026
MAYOR PRO TEM NOBLE
- Asked if this type of incident has occurred before and if the police department is investigating it.
PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT TOM ALVA
- Clarified that some of the stolen tools were diagnostic tools that connect to vehicles to identify issues.
- Noted that the thieves cut a hole in the side of the building to gain entry and took expensive tools.
- Mentioned that a police report was filed, and the alarm system and cameras have been upgraded due to this incident.
- Remarked that in his 32 years working for public works, there had never been a break-in before; while there were instances of gas being stolen in the past, nothing of this magnitude had happened.
POLICE CHIEF CHRISTOPHER KIRBY
- Confirmed that the police department is investigating this incident and ensuring that the stolen equipment is not being sold in local pawn shops.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDERTH
- Clarified that some of the fees and services are pass-through costs.
BARSTOW POLICE DEPARTMENT
POLICE CHIEF CHRISTOPHER KIRBY
- Presented a report to the City Clerk's office.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Asked if any needs for the police department can be offset with cannabis funds.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS
- Explained that 3% of the revenue from cannabis is set aside for public safety use, divided equally between the police and fire departments.
BARSTOW FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
FIRE CHIEF CORY CISNEROS
- Presented a report to the City Clerk's office.
MEASURE Q FUND
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Inquired about the plan to acquire tenants for the Harvey House to offset costs, emphasizing that revitalization is necessary.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Explained that last year, a request was made for funding to establish a security contract at the Harvey House to secure the building, as this had been a previous issue. - Noted that the contract is in place, but an increase in funding is needed to attract additional tenants at a reduced cost.
- Mentioned potential tenants at a reduced rate, including ongoing discussions with the Chamber of Commerce and SENATOR OCHOA BOGH, who is seeking office space, along with other developments.
- Highlighted that staff is actively engaged in this effort and mentioned upgrades to the city's camera system, noting that some cameras have not been functioning in certain locations.
Minutes-May 13, 2026
BARSTOW FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT FUND
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Requested clarification regarding cost recovery from the Barstow Fire Protection District. - Asked for information about who initiated the cost recovery concept. - Inquired whether the police department is exploring cost recovery options as well. - Asked for an estimate of the annual dollar amount for cost recovery.
FIRE CHIEF CORY CISNEROS
- Stated that the Fire Department will re-engage in cost recovery, which has been neglected since 2016.
- Indicated that the council voted on this matter back in 2012, but it fell off the agenda after 2016.
The fire administration's current mission is to revive this effort. - Estimated that the average cost recovery could range between $300,000 and $500,000 per year.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Added that there is a plan to go back historically to capture and bill for past costs. - Mentioned that staff is also discussing cost recovery options with the police department to help offset their expenses.
POLICE CHIEF CHRISTOPHER KIRBY
- Indicated that he does not have an estimated amount for cost recovery but noted that the primary source would be through citations.
- Explained that parking citations are processed through Phoenix, while criminal citations go to the courts.
- Suggested that managing parking citations in-house might not be cost-effective for recovery.
WASTEWATER FUND
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Responded to a public comment regarding rates and the necessity of going through the 218 process. She clarified that the fee study adopted earlier does not relate to rates. - Mentioned that staff will initiate a comprehensive rate study that requires the 218 process, explaining that the fee studies pertain to separate service fees, while actual rates need to be evaluated through the 218 process.
SOLID WASTE FUND
NEW BUDGET REQUESTS & COUNCIL GOALS
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
IT MANAGER (CONTRACTED) ANTHONY THOMAS
- Presented a report to the City Clerk's office.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked how long the city had been vulnerable to hacking incidents.
IT MANAGER (CONTRACTED) ANTHONY THOMAS
- Stated that the city has been under cyberattacks since 2023, following a hacking incident.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Recommended using the term "vulnerable" instead of "target" and commended the staff for Minutes-May 13, 2026
taking proactive measures to prevent such attacks.
IT MANAGER (CONTRACTED) ANTHONY THOMAS
- Estimated that the current annual cost for the GIS contract ranges from $30,000 to $60,000.
HUMAN RESOURCES
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR KIMBERLIE TURNER
- Presented a report to the City Clerk's office.
MAYOR PRO TEM NOBLE
- Asked who is doing the job of the proposed Risk Analyst position.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR KIMBERLIE TURNER
- Stated that the responsibility for managing claims falls on the HR Manager. The department consists of three people, but currently, there are up to 100 open claims managed by the HR Department, with each claim being addressed about 15-20 times. - Noted that if an accident occurs, staff will conduct an Accident Review Board. While these responsibilities primarily fall to the HR Manager, one person cannot handle all of this workload, especially since they are also involved in recruitment, policies and procedures, and training. - Mentioned that the department is not as timely as desired due to the high volume of needs from the city and a lack of staffing.
- Emphasized that adding a new position would greatly benefit the city and allow for a greater focus on risk management to avoid paying $4 million in insurance. - Explained that part of the risk function is analytical, involving the evaluation of incoming data with recommendations. The HR Manager is currently only able to manage day-to-day risk management.
- Mentioned that there will be a future request for a risk management platform that can provide analytical capabilities. Noted that currently, the process is manual, preventing proactive data analysis to identify the root causes of accidents and injuries. - Noted that she has been involved in initiatives related to workers' compensation and risk management, successfully lowering rates by dedicating a lot of attention to that area. However, the city lacks the capability to sustain this focus.
RECREATION
New Position Request: PARKS SUPERINTENDENT
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Presented a report to the City Clerk's office.
PUBLIC WORKS - STREET MAINTENANCE
PUBLIC WORKS - BUILDING MAINTENANCE
PUBLIC WORKS - FLEET MAINTENANCE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
POLICE DEPARTMENT - NEW INITIATIVES REQUEST
MAYOR PRO TEM NOBLE
- Asked whether the Assistant Chief of Police position would be filled through external recruitment Minutes-May 13, 2026
or internally.
- Inquired if this position would involve fieldwork or office duties.
POLICE CHIEF CHRISTOPHER KIRBY
- Stated that there are qualified internal candidates for the position. - Explained that the Assistant Chief of Police would serve as the Public Information Officer, be responsible for internal compliance, assist with the budget, create and update policies, and help facilitate promotions.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Asked if this change would go beyond simple reorganization.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Clarified that this would resemble a promotion; it will be an internally available position for recruitment.
BARSTOW FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Inquired whether this addition would reduce overtime.
FIRE CHIEF CORY CISNEROS
- Explained that once the positions are filled, overtime would be reduced. However, with existing vacancies in higher positions, there will still be overtime necessary to maintain the service level to the community. This would also alleviate stress on current employees.
ESTIMATED COST OF ADDED POSITIONS
MAYOR PRO TEM NOBLE
- Asked how many positions were eliminated at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). - Expressed the desire to see the city's needs prioritized to make it easier for the council to decide on adding requests for WWTP.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Explained that the pretreatment supervisor retired, and to continue operations, the city decided to merge both departments and eliminate the supervisor position. - Explained the differences between the pretreatment department and the wastewater department, highlighting the importance of filling these positions to any potential avoid spills and fines.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Stated that staff will conduct a rate study for the WWTP, after which suggestions for necessary personnel will be made.
RISK MANAGEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR KIMBERLIE TURNER
- Presented a report to the City Clerk's office.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Noted that it is extremely important to better track workers' compensation and other claims.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Asked how long the virtual budget book systems have been in place.
Minutes-May 13, 2026
- Expressed concerns about how quickly technology changes and wanted to know if the software would be available for a while.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS
- Stated that the first time she was introduced to a system like this was about eight years ago. - Noted that this product is well known, and the vendor has them on display at conferences, mentioning that these products have been around for many years.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Clarified that this program will integrate with the Tyler Enterprise Resource Planning System, which the city is currently implementing. Staff is evaluating those requirements. - Mentioned that staff has just implemented text notifications with Granicus, and it is now fully functioning.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Stated that all programs utilized by the city must go through the IT Department and asked if the city has a reliable backup system to support these programs. - Inquired whether there is a robust generator system in place to maintain operations in case of a power outage.
IT MANAGER ANTHONY THOMAS
- Noted that the city is currently using a vendor for backup and that staff is working to reduce these services. Due to staffing shortages, vendors are being utilized to provide this service. - Stated that the city has a large backup battery system that can keep the city servers running for a significant amount of time.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Added that the city has updated its generator, which has a built-in fuel tank, and staff conducts weekly tests.
- Mentioned that if there is a prolonged power outage, fuel can be brought in to refill the generator, allowing it to run for 12 to 14 hours at full load, which can power the entire City Hall and Police Department.
MAYOR SILVA
- Noted that the term "spreadsheet" was mentioned twice and commended staff for bringing these items forward to improve operational efficiency.
FY26 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT REQUEST
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked for clarification on how the vehicle computers function. - Expressed concerns regarding the patrol equipment and its impact on officers in the field. - Commended the police staff for working through the current challenges faced by the department.
- Stated that the new computers will be removable, which will save a lot of time when completing reports, a feature not available with the current computers.
MAYOR PRO TEM NOBLE
- Asked how far behind the city is in equipment compared to other cities.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Asked when the current equipment was purchased.
POLICE CHIEF CHRISTOPHER KIRBY
Minutes-May 13, 2026
- Explained that the calls are displayed on the vehicle computers to help officers determine their next response based on call priority.
- Clarified that dispatchers no longer announce low-level calls over the radio unless they know an officer has a non-functioning computer.
- Emphasized that the vehicle computers are crucial for the officers, and it's vital that they operate correctly.
- Stated that the city is about five years behind in technology compared to other cities. - Clarified that these new purchases will bring the city up to date with the latest technology. - Mentioned that the current equipment was likely purchased eight to ten years ago, noting that the normal replacement cycle for police car computers is three to five years.
TIMELINE TO BUDGET ADOPTION
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Asked when the Measure Q Committee Meeting will be.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS
- Announced that the Measure Q Committee Meeting will be held on June 11, before the adoption of the budget.
SPEAKERS
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Expressed concerns regarding Measure Q for the FY2026 budget, noting that over $5 million was spent beyond what was received.
- Indicated that for FY 2027, there is an expected shortfall of $1.8 million against a budget of $9.6 million.
- Highlighted that $218,000 was overspent solely on the Police and Fire Departments. - Advocated for a balanced budget, emphasizing that if an expense cannot be afforded, it should not be incurred.
- Clarified that sewer rates had been doubled in the past. - Raised concerns about excessive spending and expressed hope that rates will not be increased, urging the city to find alternative ways to subsidize these expenses.
SHERRY BAILEY, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Expressed concern about the city falling behind in technology and the community having to subsidize these costs.
MAYOR SILVA
- Clarified that the recent increase in sewer rates was implemented due to a cease-and-desist order for improper sewer treatment before discharge, adding that the fees were well below the average for the High Desert.
MAYOR PRO TEM NOBLE
- Asked if current global events would impact the city's ability to receive supplies or equipment based on the information presented.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Inquired how long it took staff to prepare the presentation.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Stated that no technology had been significantly impacted. - Mentioned that staff had taken a conservative approach to revenue projections to account for potential impacts.
- Explained that she dedicated several hours coordinating with staff to put the presentation together.
Minutes-May 13, 2026
- Noted that one item possibly affected by overseas conflicts might be the vehicle replacement program.
- Announced plans to bring the vehicle master lease agreement with Enterprise back for council review.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS
- Reported that the last quarterly meeting with HDL consultants predicted that rising gas prices would lead to an increase in tax revenue for the city; however, this depends on how long gas prices remain high and how many people purchase gas at these elevated prices. - Confirmed that a conservative approach had been taken concerning gas tax projections. - Clarified that her hours’ projection of 680 was estimated solely by finance staff, and not with the assistance of other departments.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Commended the work done on the budget presentation and expressed the hope that some of the items could be allocated to different departments.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Praised the staff for their efforts in the presentation.
MAYOR SILVA
- Commended the staff for the well-organized presentation, noting the city's needs and requesting a list of priorities.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Thanked everyone for their hard work on the presentation and stated that she will be working to identify high-priority items to recommend a balanced budget at the next budget meeting.
RESULT: PRESENTATION ONLY
ADJOURNMENT:
By consensus of the City Council, and with no objections, the Joint Special Meeting was adjourned at 8:42 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted: Approved:
_______________________________ _______________________________ Andrea Flores, City Clerk Timothy R. Silva, Mayor
Notice: Signed Minutes are filed with the City Clerk’s office