CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
January 27,2026
Marquette Hawkins
MAYOR
Jim Creighton
MAYOR PRO TEM
Della Clark
Ronald Smith
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Sean Grayson
INTERIM CITY
MANAGER
AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL/ HOUSING AUTHORITY/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY JANUARY 27, 2026 @ 5:00 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS 21000 HACIENDA BLVD., CALIFORNIA
CITY, CA 93505 & VIA ZOOM
If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, contact the City Clerk at (760) 373-7140 or via email at [email protected]. We request a 24-hour notification prior to the meeting in order for the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility. (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 American Disabilities Act Title II) Zoom instructions and notes:
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CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
January 27,2026
Public is urged to listen to the meeting in a quiet place, to avoid background noise. We also request public to MUTE your audio device when not commenting to avoid disruption during meeting.
**Please take this time to turn off your cell phones ** CLOSED SESSION 4:00PM
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers: Clark, Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Creighton, Mayor Hawkins
ADOPT THE AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public are welcome to address the City Council ONLY on those items listed on the Closed Session agenda. Each member of the public will be given (3) three minutes to speak
CLOSED SESSION
CS 1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)): Two cases
Lamberth v. California City (Case no. 25CUB00029) –
Vincent v. California City (Case No. BCV-25-102867) –
CS 2. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT- (Government Code Section 54957) Title: Police Officer
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
CITY COUNCIL CONVENES TO REGULAR MEETING
REGULAR MEETING 5:00PM
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE / INVOCATION
ROLL CALL –
Councilmembers: Clark, Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Creighton, Mayor Hawkins
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
January 27,2026
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Planning Treasure
PW Finance
CITY CLERK REPORTS/RECEIVED COMMUNICATIONS
JM POWERS: DATED- January 16, 2026, January 17, 2026, and January 18, 2026
CIVIC/COMMUNITY/ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR / PUBLIC COMMENT
This portion of the meeting is reserved for the public to address the City Council on any matter NOT on this agenda and over which the City Council has jurisdiction. Please state your name for the record and limit your comments to (3) three minutes. The City Council will receive the comments but cannot engage in back-and- forth discussion with the public or make any decision. The City Council can direct staff to bring the item back to a future agenda for discussion.
PUBLIC HEARING
PH 1. An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of California City, California Amending California City Municipal Code, Title 8, Chapter 1, Section 8-1.01, To Adopt The 2025 California Building Code Series (12 Parts), And Amending Title 5, Chapter 1, Article 5 To Adopt The 1997 Uniform Code For The Abatement Of Dangerous Buildings And The 2024 International Property Maintenance (Second Reading and Adoption)
A. Open Public Hearing
B. Staff Report: Joe Barragan, Public Works Director
C. Public Comment
D. Close Public Hearing
E. Discussion
F. Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the City Council.
1. Conduct Public Hearing for Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 25-830.
2. Close the public hearing.
3. Adopt Ordinance No. 25-830 Or;
4. Take other actions as desired
CONSENT CALENDAR
WAIVER OF FULL READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
Consideration to waive full-text reading of all Resolutions and Ordinances by single motion made at the start of each meeting, subject to the ability of the City Council / Agency to read the full text of selected resolutions and ordinances when the item is addressed by subsequent motion. All items on the consent calendar are considered routine, and non-controversial and will be approved by (1) one motion if no member of the council, staff, or public wishesto comment or ask questions. Public comments are to be limited to (3) three minutes. Roll call vote required.
CC 1. Approve Check Register dated 01/09/2026-01/22/2026 CC 2. Approve Minutes for 1/13/2026 Regular Meeting
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
January 27,2026
CONTINUED BUSINESS
CB 1. Staff Report: Sean Grayson, Interim City Manager
Subject: A Resolution of the City Council of The City of California City Identifying Local Fiscal Distress Based on Decreased Revenue And Increased Liabilities; Approving the City Manager’s Fiscal Distress Immediate Action Plan; and calling for a Budget Stabilization and Fiscal Distress Plan
Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-3207 CB 2. Staff Report: Joe Barragan, Public Works Director Subject: Accept the Bid as Submitted By Aventus Nv Inc for Vivian Pl Water Main Replacement Project From Cal-City Blvd To Charlene Pl in the Amount of $214,849.72; and Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute the Construction Agreement Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-3208
NEW BUSINESS
NB 1. Staff Report: Sean Grayson, Interim City Manager
Subject: A Discussion and Direction on the Preparation of a Ballot Measure to Put Before the Voters on the June 2, 2026, Primary Election Amending the City’s Transient Occupancy Tax Rate Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council discuss and provide direction to staff.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS, AGENDA REQUESTS, AND AB1234 REPORTS This portion of the meeting is reserved for council members to present information, announcements, and items that have come to their attention. The Brown Act precludes Council, staff, or public discussion. Short staff responses are appropriate. The Council will take no formal action. A Council member may request the City Clerk to calendar an item for consideration at a future meeting or refer an item to staff.
ADJOURNMENT
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING- January 23, 2026
I, Leanndrea Weible, Acting City Clerk for the City of California City, California, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing notice was posted on all official City bulletin boards and the City’s website at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in compliance with the provisions of the Brown Act.
DR- Planning
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
January 27, 2026
TO: The Honourable City Council
FROM: Anu Doravari, City Planner
Report Overview
This report includes the following sections:
A. Active Planning Projects
B. Planning Department Updates
C. Financial Report for December 2025
A. Active Planning Projects
Project
Code Project Name Project Type Location Current Status
CUP 22-03
& SPR 22-
36 (Major)
RV Park Multi-Family
Housing
South of Mendiburu
Road and west of
Yerba Boulevard
Under staff review
SPR 25-01
(Major)
6-Unit Apartment
Complex
Multi-Family
Housing
83rd Street and
Catalpa Avenue
Applicant
unresponsive; staff
comments
previously issued
SPR 25-05
(Major) IWVGA Pipeline Pipeline / Infrastructure
Approximately 50-
mile replacement
CEQA
documentation
outstanding
SPR 25-09
(Minor) CoreCivic, Inc. Correctional Facility Virginia Boulevard Under staff review SPR 25-10
(Major)
SCE Substation
Expansion (115
kV)
Public Utility
Infrastructure
Existing Substation
Site
Initial conditions
issued by
Engineering; under
staff review
DR- Planning
Project
Code Project Name Project Type Location Current Status
SPR 25-16
(Major)
6-Unit Apartment
Complex
Multi-Family
Housing
North of Catalpa
Avenue and east of
82nd Street
Staff comments
issued; revised site
plan pending
SPR 25-17
(Major)
Cutting Edge
Investments
Multi-Family
Housing
North of California
City Boulevard and
west of Conklin
Boulevard
Staff comments
issued; revised site
plan pending
CUP 25-02
(Major)
Church of Our
Savior Jesus
Christ
Community
Worship
Facility
8401 California City
Boulevard
Approved by the
Planning
Commission on
January 6, 2026
CUP 25-03
(Major)
Emergency
Communication
Tower
Public
Infrastructure Galileo Hill
Application
received; lease
agreement
outstanding
B. Planning Department Updates
1. Housing Element Adoption
Following a duly noticed public hearing, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element (2021–2029). The item is scheduled for City Council consideration at the February 10, 2026, meeting to ensure compliance with public hearing notice requirements and to provide sufficient time for public review and comment. The draft Housing Element, as recommended by the Planning Commission, is available for review. The draft can be viewed in the Jan 6th 2026 Planning Commission agenda here.
C. Financial Report – December 2025
This section details the financial report for December 2025, highlighting revenue, expenses, and notable financial activities or changes.
DR- Planning
DR - PW
COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
January 27, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Sean Grayson- Interim City Manager
Joe Barragan, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Departmental Report – December 2025
DR - PW
BHT Engineering, Inc.
UPDATED: 1/9/2026
FEDERAL / STATE FUNDED PROJECTS
1 19410 8/19/2019
CMAQ Redwood Blvd. Rehab.
5933-(029) - Preliminary
Engineering
500-ft East of Hacienda Blvd. to 98th Street
12/02/19: Environmental Completed. 2/01/21: Email & Phone comm with Raquel Pacheco from Kern COG. City applied for 2021 CMAQ Call for projects. Kern COG Recommended
Construction funds for funding 2021 CMAQ Call for Projects. 03/07/24 – Const RFA submitted to Caltrans for processing. 04/24/24 - Receive Caltrans Const E-76 and Finance Letter. 04/30/24 – Received PSA from Caltrans - City to accept PSA at 5/14/24 CC meeting. 06/17/24: Spectrum and Frontier to adjust utilities. Construction COMPLETED. Close-out in Progress 2 20407 3/18/2021 Mendiburu Rd
Reconstruction. 5399-(031)
CMAQ paving of existing dirt road from
Hacienda to Neuralia.
City approved program supplement 02/23/2021. Environmental completed. Design In Progress. Invoices sent to Caltrans.
Construction plans ready, project specifications in progress, staff report for council approval of bidding phase January 17th 2023.
Bids opened March 16, 2023. 6 bids received; apparent low bidder is Granite Cons. Project Underfunded. Requested more CMAQ funds to Kern COG. 4/5/23 TTAC committee
recommended additional CMAQ funds. 4/20/23 Kern County
Board voted to authorize additional funds $993,669. 06/13/23 - Council awarded project to Granite Const. Construction
COMPLETED. 4/23/24 - City Accepted project, City Clerk to file NOC w County. 08/06/24 – Caltrans conducted post-construction review - all in order. 08/19/24 – Received Bridge ID 50C0419 from Caltrans. 08/28/24 – Received Contractor executed Ex 17-F and 17-O, reviewed and emailed a copy to Peter Mututwa @ Caltrans. -- Caltrans Close-out in progress
3 21420 7/13/2021 HSIP Cycle 10 - Pedestrian
improvements On CCB from Yerba to Neuralia
3/26/21: Caltrans approved project. Caltrans approved PE funds on 08/02/21. Preliminary engineering Completed. 03/16/23 – Received Construction allocation letter from Caltrans. Bid Opening 6/22/23 - awarded to Cen-Cal Construction. Const.
Completed. 4/23/24 - City Accepted project, City Clerk to file NOC w County. Caltrans Close-out in progress
19 23401 1/4/2023 Hacienda Blvd Rehabilitation
5399-(033)
RSTP On Hacienda Blvd from Manzanita Ave
to Redwood Blvd - Prepare construction plans
and Specs for new Hacienda Blvd pavements
rehabilitation.
Received Caltrans E-76 on 02/08/2023 Authorization to Proceed with Preliminary Engineering. Project will designed together with TDA Art 3 project. 05/03/23 – Received fully executed program supplement agreement – and forwarded to City Staff. - Design Completed. 02/04/24 – Received and filed Const. E-76 from Caltrans. Bid opening July 11, 2024. 08/15/24 – City Council did not approve award of the project. 09/10/24 – Council approved award of project. 09/11/24 – Project completed. Close-out in progress
20 24411 8/2/2024 CMAQ - California City Blvd -
Shoulder Paving
On CCB from Baron Blvd to Maverick St. -
Request Preliminary Engineering Phase
08/13/24 – Completed PE RFA and emailed to Caltrans for execution. Kern COG emailed EPSP to City and to Caltrans. 08/29/24 – Received PE E-76 and FN from Caltrans. 09/04/24 – Received program supplement from Caltrans at 9/24/24 CC meeting for acceptance. 09/09/24 – Received City executed Task order for PE. - Project in Progress
21 25401 1/7/2025
RSTP - California City Blvd
Rehab - Hacienda Blvd. to
94th St.
On CCB from Hacienda Blvd. tp 94th Street -
Request Preliminary Engineering Phase
01/14/25 – Received City executed PE RFA, processed, and transmitted to Caltrans. - Awaiting Caltrans approval for PE Phase. Design in Progress
SB1 FUNDED PROJECTS
19 25413 5/21/2025 SB-1 Funded SB-1 Kenniston Design Phase Bids OPENED Oct 23,2025. Expected project award january 2026
LOCAL FUNDED PROJECTS
2 23409 6/11/2021
Isabella Blvd new water main
construction from CCB to
Moss
Prepare construction plans and Specs for new
construction of 12" water main on Isabella
Blvd from CCB to Moss Ave (Approximately
9,000 ft). Formal bidding process.
Design completed, currently waiting construction grant funds allocation from EPA, COORDINATION with US Army Corps in progress
3 23410 6/11/2021
CCB new water main
construction from Yerba to
Neuralia
Prepare construction plans and Specs for new
construction of 12" water main on CCB from
Yerba to Neuralia (Approximately 10,000 ft).
Formal bidding process.
Project on hold until funds are available
Task Order
Executed
/Received
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
BHT PROJECT # PROJECT NAME / Limits PROJECT DESCRIPTION STATUS
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ACTIVE PROJECTS LIST
BHT Engineering, Inc.
4 23411 8/9/2023 Well 3 Motor upgrade
Prepare One-Line Diagram for Well #3 for
new 200 HP well motor, plans and
specifications. Formal bid process
Currently seeking natural gas powered motor with Waukesha contractor. Quote preparation is in progress.
5 23412 7/27/2023 Splash Pad Skating Park
project
Prepare construction plans and specifications
for the construction of new splash pad and
skate park including onsite and offsite
improvements
Bid opening March 27, 2024. No bids received. Waiting for Council direction. Construction at 98% completed. Splash features bid opening NOV 20. No bids received. Will seek council approval for open market
6 23415 n/a Rancho Tracts Grants Rancho Tracts water replacement project Grant for project funding was prepared and sent State. Application submitted March 2024. One million awarded to project,
implementation steps in progress. Received email from
awarding agency, Cultural resources in progress and EPA grant coordination.
7 24405 6/13/2024 Well 10 Rehabilitation Well 10 Rehabilitation Layne preparing a quote for rehabilitation expected end of August After analysis of Layne proposal, project will put out to bid. On Hold until next year budget
8 24409 6/13/2024 Wonder Acres Water Tank Install a 90,000 gal water storage and pumping equipment
Record of Survey completed. Topographic survey and design in progress. Geotechnical Report in progress. Edison power coordination in progress. Edison green light received. Soils Report completed. Coordinating with edision in progress
9 25402 3/7/2023 Indian Wells VGA Project
IWVGA (Indian Wells Valley Groundwater
Authority) Pipeline Project from Cal-City to
Ridgecrest
Began communications with Provost and Prichard Engineers for initial project planning and impacts on Cal-City's right of way.
Indian Wells to reimburse for all plan checking and project coordination process within City's right of way. Ok to continue per PW email 03/07/2023. 10/04/23 City received $30K initial fee from Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority. Project coordination
ON-HOLD
10 25403 1/2/2025 City Yard Area Lights Installation of area lights improvements Design on hold per recent fire. Waiting for new buildings layouts 11 25404 11/4/1966 Splash Pad Parking Lot New parking lot on Conklin for the Splash Pad Paking lot layout completed waiting for Splash features installation to advertsied project
12 25406 8/29/2005 Little League Area lights Field lighting upgrades RFP in progress. Design in progress est completion Jan 2026 14 25414 5/14/2025 Vivian Water Main
Replacement Local funded project Bid opening DEC. 3-2025. Staff report submitted for project award 15 25410 5/2/2025 TDA Call for Projects TDA-Hacienda Pedestrian Improvements COMPLETED application sent to KERNCOG May 30-2025.
kERCOG APPROVED the funding for this project. Design to begin when PE task order is signed. Design expected DEC 2025.design in progress
16 25415 2/13/2024 SCE Elec Service Phase IV Local funded project Right of way map and electrical one-line snet to City for comments. SCE application in progress
17 25416 DAR Steel Bldg TIRP-ZETCP Funded project Task order in progress. 18 25418 11/4/2025 CCB-YERBA Bus stop turnout TIRP-ZETCP Funded project Design in progress. Advertized Dec 2025 19 25419 10/29/2025 Airport UF tanks Removal Local project to comply with State Law Design in progress expected out to bid DEC 2026 20 25420 T&M SEP 2025 Storm Grant application for State emergency funds In progress UPDATED: 1/9/2026
COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
December 2025 Report
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
SUBJECT: TREASURER MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORT
Balance on Net Balance on Percent
11/30/2025 Transactions 12/31/2026 of Total
Bank of the Sierra -- General Checking $ 1,091,387 $ 1,309,087 $ 2,400,473 16.06% Bank of the Sierra -- Cannibas Checking $ 332,132 $ 2,181 $ 334,313 2.24% Sub-Total Operating Accounts $ 1,423,519 $ 1,311,268 $ 2,734,786 Balance on Net Balance on Percent
11/30/2025 Transactions 12/31/2026 of Total
Local Agency Investment Fund (122) $ 7,979,709 $ (1,500,000) $ 6,479,709 43.35% Kern County Investment Fund (9153) $ 4,699,782 $ - $ 4,699,782 31.44% Multi-Bank Securities (CD Manager) $ 1,027,216 $ 5,488 $ 1,032,704 6.91% Sub-Total Investment Accounts $ 13,706,706 $ (1,494,512) $ 12,212,194 Total City Operating Funds $ 15,130,225 $ (183,244) $ 14,946,981 100.00% Checking & CD Accounts 11/30/2025 Net Transactions 12/31/2026 Housing Corp. -- Bank of the Sierra, Checking $ 2,092,154 $ (5,314) $ 2,086,841 72.54% Housing Corp. -- Bank of the Sierra, CD 7653 $ 115,335 $ 303 $ 115,638 4.02% Housing Corp. -- Bank of the Sierra, CD 7654 $ 144,263 $ 379 $ 144,642 5.03% Housing Corp. -- Bank of the Sierra, CD 6574 $ 264,174 $ 665 $ 264,839 9.21% Housing Corp. -- Bank of the Sierra, CD 6582 $ 264,174 $ 665 $ 264,839 9.21% Total Housing Corporation Funds $ 2,880,101 $ (3,302) $ 2,876,799 100.00% Checking & CD Investment Accounts 11/30/2025 Net Transactions 12/31/2026 SDI -- Bank of the Sierra, Checking 6370 $ 365,596 $ - $ 365,596 0.39% SDI -- Bank of the Sierra CD 2389 $ 269,625 $ 709 $ 270,334 0.29% SDI -- US Bank Investments *$ 93,749,058 $ 322,495 $ 94,071,553 99.33% Total SDI Agency Funds $ 94,384,279 $ 323,203 $ 94,707,483 100.00% Checking & Investment Accounts 11/30/2025 Net Transactions 12/31/2026 Successor -- Bank of the Sierra, Checking 8870 $ 308,898 $ 405,657 $ 714,555 45.32% RDA/Successor -- US Bank Investments $ 862,083 $ - $ 862,083 54.68% Total Successor Agency Funds $ 1,170,981 $ 405,657 $ 1,576,638 100.00% Restricted Housing Corporation Accounts
FROM: Keith Middleton, City Treasurer
The values presented in this report are extracted from End of Month bank and investments statements.
The General Funds investment portfolio consists of funds for operations, Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), water rate stabilization, administration replacements and reserves.
General Operating Accounts
General Investment Accounts
Restricted SDI Accounts
Note: Interest earned from the SDI CD is directly deposited into the SDI checking account monthly.
Restricted RDA/Successor Agency Accounts
1 of 2
December 2025 Report
INVESTMENT POLICY
11/30/2025 12/31/2025
Beginning Market Value 93,309,644 93,749,058
Ending Market Value 93,749,058 94,071,553
439,415 322,495
11/30/2025 12/31/2025
Beginning Market Value - -
Ending Market Value - -
- -
11/30/2025 12/31/2025
Beginning Market Value 0 0
Ending Market Value 0 0
- -
11/30/2025 12/31/2025
Beginning Market Value 0 0
Ending Market Value 0 0
- -
11/30/2025 12/31/2025
Beginning Market Value 862,082 862,082
Ending Market Value 862,082 862,082
- -
Total RDA/Successor Investment Assets 862,083 862,083
Total "US Bank" Investment Assets 94,611,141 94,933,636 RDA/Successor Agency Accounts
California City, California 93505
TREASURER'S MONTHLY REPORT OF INVESTMENT
The Treasurer shall invest the City's monies as permitted in the Citie's approved investment policy and approval of both the City Manager and Finance Director. The Treasurer shall consider current and projected cash needs in making such investments.
US Bank
SDI Account
Market Value Summary - CUSTODIAN ACCOUNT
Investment Results (Acct. Number 104388-010)
US Bank
Market Value Summary - SUCCESSOR AGENCY Proj Area TAX RESERVE Investment Results (Acct. Number 211146003)
Market Value Summary - REDEVELOPEMENT AGENCY PROJ AREA TAX Investment Results (Acct. Number 211146000)
Market Value Summary - SUCCESSOR AGENCY Proj Area TAX INTEREST Investment Results (Acct. Number 211146001)
Market Value Summary - SUCCESSOR AGENCY Proj Area TAX PRINCIPAL Investment Results (Acct. Number 211146002)
2 of 2
DR Finance
COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
January 27, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Sean Grayson, Interim City Manager
Kenny Cooper, Finance Manager
SUBJECT: FIN MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORT
DR Finance
PH 1
4917-9223-7685 v1
COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
January 27, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Joe Barragan, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Consideration of an Ordinance Amending California City Municipal Code Section 8-1.01 to adopt the 2025 California Building Code Series (12 Parts) , including all the appendices and references, and Amending Article 5 of Chapter 1 of Title 5 to adopt the 1997 Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings and 2024 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code.
BACKGROUND/ DISCUSSION:
The 2025 California Building Code series has been released by the State of California and will go into effect on January 1, 2025. The 2025 California Building Code (CBC) series is an update to the 2022 California Building Code series. The updates are developed through a comprehensive multi-state agency and stakeholder effort, including: the Department of Housing and Community Development; Division of State Architect; Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development; Office of the State Fire Marshal; Department of Public Health; California Energy Commission; industry stakeholders; and interested members of the public.
Local jurisdictions may amend the new California Building Codes before they take effect only if the amendments are more restrictive and based on the need to address climatic, geological, topographical, or environmental conditions of the area. The City of California City is not amending the 2025 CBC series and accepting the series as is.
Further, staff also recommends that the City Council adopt the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings (UCADB) and the 2024 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). While California City Municipal Code (CCMC) already adopts the UCADB the language of the code has been amended to clarify that the 1997 edition (which is the most recent version) of the Code is enforceable. Further, staff recommends the City adopt the IPMC. Adoption of both of these uniform codes will assist the Code Enforcement Division by expanding the enforcement tools available.
CEQA
The adoption of the California Building Standards Codes, Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings and the International Property Maintenance Code are exempt from the
PH 1
4917-9223-7685 v1
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3) as there is no possibility that the proposed code adoption will have a significant effect on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact, and no additional appropriation is needed.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council introduce the proposed ordinances to Amend Chapter 8-
1.01 of the City of California City Municipal Code to adopt the 2025 California Building Code (12 Parts), all its references and appendices, 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings and the 2024 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Ordinance
Ordinance No. 25-830
4933-9209-1250 v1
ORDINANCE NO. 25-830
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CALIFORNIA CITY, CALIFORNIA AMENDING
CALIFORNIA CITY MUNICIPAL CODE, TITLE 8,
CHAPTER 1, SECTION 8-1.01, TO ADOPT THE 2025
CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE SERIES (12 PARTS), AND
AMENDING TITLE 5, CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE 5 TO ADOPT
THE 1997 UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS AND THE 2024
INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
WHEREAS, the City of California City (“City”) is a general law city, incorporated under the laws of the State of California; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to its police powers, the City may enact and enforce laws within its boundaries which promote the public health, morals, safety, and general welfare of the community, and are not in conflict with general laws; and
WHEREAS, the California Building Standards Commission adopted the 2025 California Building Standards Codes, consisting of the California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Electrical Code, California Fire Code, California Existing Building Code, California Green Building Standards Code, California Energy Code, and California Reference Standards Code; and WHEREAS, California Health & Safety Code §§17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, 18938, and 18941.5 authorize local jurisdictions to adopt the California Building Standards Codes with amendments reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City seeks to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Codes without any amendments; and
WHEREAS, the City seeks to utilize additional enforcement tools to address property maintenance issues throughout the community and therefore desires to adopt the 1997 Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings and the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code Series (12 Parts), all its references and appendices, the 1997 Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings and 2024 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code; and WHEREAS, the adoption of the California Building Standards Codes, Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings and the International Property Maintenance Code are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3) as there is no possibility that the proposed code adoption will have a significant effect on the environment.
Ordinance No. 25-830
4933-9209-1250 v1
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The facts set forth in the recitals above are true and correct and are incorporated by reference herein.
Section 2. The 2025 California Building Standards Codes are hereby adopted by reference at Section 8-1.01 of Chapter 1 (Building and Safety Code) to Title 8 (Building Regulations) of the CCMC. Said Section shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows:
“Sec. 8-1.01 Adoption
(a) [Adopted]. The City of California City hereby adopts the 2025 California Code of Regulations Title 24, all 12 parts, and all references and appendices, without amendments, as the City of California City’s 2025 Building and Safety Code. (b) References to Prior Code: Upon the effective date, the 2025 City of California City Building and Safety Code will supersede and expressly repeal any and all previous City building codes.
(c) Effective Date: The 2025 City of California City Building and Safety Code will be in force and effect on January 1, 2026.”
Section 3. The 1997 Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings and the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code are hereby adopted by reference at Article 5 of Chapter 1 (Public Nuisance) of Title 5 (Public Welfare). Said Article is amended read in its entirety as follows:
“ARTICLE 5. - DANGEROUS BUILDINGS AND INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE CODE
Sec. 5-1.501. - Dangerous Buildings.
(a) The 1997 edition of the Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, promulgated by the International Conference of Officials, is adopted by this reference. (b)The procedures and remedies set forth in the Uniform Code for Abatement of Public Buildings are cumulative. Nuisances created by dangerous buildings can be abated in accordance with the Uniform Code, other provisions of this Municipal Code, or other provisions of law.
Sec. 5-1.502 – International Property Maintenance Code
(a) The 2024 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code, promulgated by the International Code Council, is adopted by this reference. (b) The procedures and remedies set forth in the International Property Maintenance Code are cumulative. Nuisances created by violations of said code may be enforced in accordance with the International Property Maintenance Code, other provisions of this Municipal Code, or other provisions of law.”
Ordinance No. 25-830
4933-9209-1250 v1
Section 4. A copy of the 2025 California Building Standards Code (all Parts) including references and appendices, 1997 Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings and the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code shall be in the office of the City Clerk as the Clerk is required to maintain the CCMC at section 1-1.03.
Section 5. CEQA. The City Council finds this Ordinance exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3).
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect on January 1, 2026, consistent with the effective date established by the California Building Standards Commission for the 2025 California Building Standards Codes.
Section 7. Publication. The City Clerk shall certify the passage of this Ordinance and cause the same to be published according to law.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of California City this 27th day of January 2026.
Marquette Hawkins, Mayor
ATTEST:
Leann Weible, Acting City Clerk
CC 1
COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
January 27, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Sean Grayson, Interim City Manager
Kenny Cooper, Finance Manager
SUBJECT: Approve City Check Register dated 01/09/2026-01/22/2026 BACKGROUND/ DISCUSSION:
The following checks have been prepared by the Finance Department. The items are provided to the Mayor and City Council for review and approval.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council discuss and approve the attached check register.
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
January 13,2026
Marquette Hawkins
MAYOR
Jim Creighton
MAYOR PRO TEM
Della Clark
Ronald Smith
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Sean Grayson
INTERIM CITY
MANAGER
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL/ HOUSING AUTHORITY/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY JANUARY 13, 2026 @ 5:00 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS 21000 HACIENDA BLVD., CALIFORNIA
CITY, CA 93505 & VIA ZOOM
If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, contact the City Clerk at (760) 373-7140 or via email at [email protected]. We request a 24-hour notification prior to the meeting in order for the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility. (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 American Disabilities Act Title II) Zoom instructions and notes:
Web Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88239934926
Meeting ID: 882 3993 4926
1. Public can dial into the Zoom line:
a. One tap mobile: +16694449171,87254527178# US
b. Dial the following number: +1 564 217 2000 US
2. Comments
a. Public must join Zoom meeting to comment
b. Keep your mic on Mute until you are requested to speak c. Use the “Raise your Hand” button to request to speak or, d. Send a chat request to City Clerk for request to speak e. When requested to speak state your name for the record f. Re-mute when your time to speak has ended
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
January 13,2026
Public is urged to listen to the meeting in a quiet place, to avoid background noise. We also request public to MUTE your audio device when not commenting to avoid disruption during meeting.
**Please take this time to turn off your cell phones ** CLOSED SESSION 4:00PM
CALL TO ORDER
BY MAYOR
HAWKINS @ 4PM
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers: Clark, Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Creighton, Mayor Hawkins- COUNCILMEMBER CLARK LATE TO THE MEETING. / REST OF COUNCIL PRESENT
ADOPT THE AGENDA
COUNCILMEMBER SMITH VOTED TO ADOPT THE AGENDA STRIKING CC1. NO SECOND ON THAT MOTION.
MAYOR PRO TEM CREIGHTON MOTIONED TO ADOPT THE AGENDA/ 2ND BY:
MAYOR HAWKINS.- AGENDA ADOPTED.
COUNCILMEMBER SMITH SAID IT TAKES A 3 VOTE TO ADOPT THE AGENDA.
CITY ATTORNEY PONTO CONFIRMED AGENDA CAN BE ADOPTED BY 2.
COUNCILMEMBER SMITH CALLED FOR A 5 MIN. BREAK TO DECIDE WHETHER HE WOULD STAY FOR THE MEETING AS HE FEELS HIS VOTE WAS BYPASSED.
MEETING RECONVENED @ 5:12PM.
UPON RETURN COUNCILMEMBER SMITH ANNOUNCED HE WILL STAY TO CONTINUE THE MEETING AS HE HAS TAKEN AN OATH TO DO.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public are welcome to address the City Council ONLY on those items listed on the Closed Session agenda. Each member of the public will be given (3) three minutes to speak NONE
CLOSED SESSION
CS 1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to Section 54956.9(d)(4): Two cases CS 2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)): One case:
Thompson v. City of California City, Kern County Superior Court Case No. 25CUB01018.
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
January 13,2026
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
CITY ATTORNEY PONTO REPORTED OUT AT 5:17PM – COUNSEL GIVEN AND DIRECTION WAS RECEIVED. NO FURTHER REPORTABLE ACTION AT THIS TIME.
CITY COUNCIL CONVENES TO REGULAR MEETING
REGULAR MEETING 5:00PM
CALL TO ORDER- MAYOR HAWKINS CALLED MEETING TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE / INVOCATION – INVOCATION GIVEN BY PASTOR MOORE ROLL CALL –
Councilmembers: Clark, Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Creighton, Mayor Hawkins- ALL PRESENT
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Park
Housing
CITY CLERK REPORTS/RECEIVED COMMUNICATIONS
JM POWERS: DATED- January 2, 2026, January 3, 2026, and January 4, 2026
CIVIC/COMMUNITY/ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRESENTATIONS
• Capital Advocacy Partners
• Kern County Fire
PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR / PUBLIC COMMENT
This portion of the meeting is reserved for the public to address the City Council on any matter NOT on this agenda and over which the City Council has jurisdiction. Please state your name for the record and limit your comments to (3) three minutes. The City Council will receive the comments but cannot engage in back-and- forth discussion with the public or make any decision. The City Council can direct staff to bring the item back to a future agenda for discussion.
CONSENT CALENDAR
WAIVER OF FULL READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
Consideration to waive full-text reading of all Resolutions and Ordinances by single motion made at the start of each meeting, subject to the ability of the City Council / Agency to read the full text of selected resolutions and ordinances when the item is addressed by subsequent motion. All items on the consent calendar are considered routine, and non-controversial and will be approved by (1) one motion if no member of the council, staff, or public wishesto comment or ask questions. Public comments are to be limited to (3) three minutes. Roll call vote required.
PULLED FOR DISCUSSION CC 1. Approve City Check Register dated 12/5/2025- 1/8/2026
DISCUSSION PERTAINED TO LACK OF FINANCIALS BEING PROVIDED HINDERING THE DECISION TO APPROVE THE CHECK REGISTER.
COUNCILMEMBER SMITH MOTIONED TO TRAIL CC1 / NO SECOND
NO MOTION TO APPROVE CC1- ITEM BEING TRAILED
CC 2. Approve Minutes for 12/22/2025 Special Meeting
CC 3. Adopt Resolution No. SA 26-3192 A Resolution of The Successor Agency to The California City
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
January 13,2026
Redevelopment Agency Approving the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule for July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 34177(I) MOTION TO APPROVE CC 2 & 3 MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER SMITH / 2ND BY COUNCILMEMBER CLARK.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER(S) CLARK, SMITH, MAYOR PRO TEM CREIGHTON, MAYOR
HAWKINS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
PULLED FOR DISCUSSION CC 4. AB 516 and AB 1600 Annual Report Presentation
DISCUSSION PERTAINED TO IMPACT FEES THAT ARE NOT BEING COLLECTED AS REFERENCED
IN THE STAFF REPORT- MAYOR PRO TEM REQUESTED THAT THE DEVELOPMENTAL IMPACT FEES BE REINSTATED AT A FUTURE MEETING.
MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM AS PRESTNED MADE
BY MAYOR PRO TEM CREIGHTON / 2ND BY: COUNCILMEMBER CLARK AYES: COUNCILMEMBER(S) CLARK, SMITH, MAYOR PRO TEM CREIGHTON, MAYOR
HAWKINS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
PULLED FOR DISCUSSION CC 5. Adopt Resolution No. 26-3204- A Resolution of the City Council Memorializing and Ratifying City Council Action Related to Use of General Fund Reserves and Police Department and Fire Department Protected Balances
DISCUSSION PERTAINED TO 2019 MEETING WITH A VOTE THAT CARRIED THE DECISION TO
REINSTATE THE RESERVE FUNDS AND THE VOTE TO CHANGE THAT DECISION WOULD REQUIRE A 4/5 VOTE AND THERE HAS NOT BEEN A 4/5 VOTETO REMOVE THOSE FUNDS SINCE IT WAS REINSTATED BY USE OF PREVIOUS SPECIAL TAX. COUNCIL VOTED TO PROCTECT IT FOR PD/FD USE ONLY. THIS RESOLUTION JUST RECTIFYS THAT DECISION.
MOTION TO APPROVE MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM CREIGHTON / 2ND BY: COUNCILMEMBER SMITH.
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER(S) CLARK, SMITH, MAYOR PRO TEM CREIGHTON, MAYOR
HAWKINS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
CONTINUED BUSINESS
CB 1. Staff Report: Victor Ponto, City Attorney
Subject: A Resolution of the City Council of The City Of California City, California, Adopting Sean Grayson for the Position of Interim City Manager Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-3200
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
January 13,2026
MOTION APPROVE ICM AGREEMENT MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER SMITH / 2ND BY
MAYOR PRO TEM CREIGHTON
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER(S) CLARK, SMITH, MAYOR PRO TEM CREIGHTON, MAYOR
HAWKINS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
NEW BUSINESS
NB 1. Staff Report: Joe Barragan, Public Works Director Subject: A Resolution Of The City Council of the City of California City Approving the BHT Task Orders for Road Repair to Virginia, Esse, and Chrysler Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-3201 MOTION TO HAVE THE ITEM TRAILED MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER SMITH / 2ND BY
COUNCILMEMBER CLARK
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER(S) CLARK, SMITH, MAYOR PRO TEM CREIGHTON, MAYOR
HAWKINS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
NB 2. Staff Report: Joe Barragan, Public Works Director Subject: Accept the bid as submitted by Griffith Company for the SB1 Kenniston St Rehabilitation Project from Cal-City Blvd to Walpole Ave. in the amount of $252,444; and authorize the City Manager to execute the construction agreement.
Recommendation: Staff recommends City Council Approve the bid submitted by Griffith Company for the SB1 Kenniston Street Rehabilitation Project, extending from Cal-City Boulevard to Walpole Avenue, in the amount of $252,444; and authorize the City Manager to execute the construction agreement.
Staff also recommend approval of $37,867 (15%) for construction management, materials sampling, and testing, which are essential for completing the project successfully. These funds will be considered as "not to exceed" unless further authorization is given by the Council. Contingency funds are allocated for unexpected work that may come up during construction.
MOTION TO APPROVE MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM CREIGHTON / 2ND BY
COUNCILMEMBER SMITH
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER(S) CLARK, SMITH, MAYOR PRO TEM CREIGHTON, MAYOR
HAWKINS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
NB 3. Staff Report: Marquette Hawkins, Mayor
Subject: A Resolution of the City Council of The City Of California City Approving Appointment of One (1) Commissioner to The City’s Parks And Recreation Commission Recommendation: Council adopt Resolution No. 26-3203
MOTION TO APPROVE MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER CLARK / 2ND BY COUNCILMEMBER SMITH
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
January 13,2026
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER(S) CLARK, SMITH, MAYOR PRO TEM CREIGHTON, MAYOR
HAWKINS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
NB 4. Staff Report: Marquette Hawkin, Mayor
Subject: A Resolution of the City Council of The City Of California City Establishing the Street Reconstruction and Transformation Initiative (SRTI)
Recommendation: City Council to discuss and consider adopting Resolution No. 26-3205 MOTION TO APPROVE MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER SMITH / 2ND BY COUNCILMEMBER CLARK
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER(S) CLARK, SMITH, MAYOR PRO TEM CREIGHTON, MAYOR
HAWKINS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS, AGENDA REQUESTS, AND AB1234 REPORTS This portion of the meeting is reserved for council members to present information, announcements, and items that have come to their attention. The Brown Act precludes Council, staff, or public discussion. Short staff responses are appropriate. The Council will take no formal action. A Council member may request the City Clerk to calendar an item for consideration at a future meeting or refer an item to staff.
COUNCILMEMBER SMITH – • What Water Rate Is Charged For The Wells? What In Total Has The City Received For These Wells And When Did The City Start Billing For The Wells? Answer will be provided by Joe Barragan at a later time • Are Containers That Are Around The City Permitted? – Per Joe Barragan, No And Code • Enforcement Is Aware And Working On The Situation.
• Explore revenue options for EV Charging station
• Budget needs to be reduced
• All Contracts need to be provided to Council
• Vicious dog board needs to be addressed
• SDI to be agendized
MAYOR PRO TEM CREIGHTON-
• Wants Transient Tax agendized to be include on the June 2026 ballot • Monument Sign brought back
• Agendize DAR to make more accessible to residents
• Bring back Resolution to reinstate Departmental Impact Fees
MAYOR HAWKINS-
• Question on if someone can take care of cattails
• Infacto Meter for the Cannabis Businesses to assist with compliance • Needs assessment to be filled out for the College for Community Classes in the city • Town Hall to be held on Thursday
• Workshop for Financial Literacy and status to be reported back • Makeshift Monuments around the city need to be removed • 82nd and Walpole has trash dumped. Mayor is requesting a city clean-up with assistance from WM • Announced Tour at the Prison
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
January 13,2026
ADJOURNMENT – MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:49pm
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING- January 8, 2026
I, Leanndrea Weible, Acting City Clerk for the City of California City, California, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing notice was posted on all official City bulletin boards and the City’s website at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in compliance with the provisions of the Brown Act.
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COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
January 27, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Sean Grayson, Interim City Manager
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Identifying Local Fiscal Distress Based On Decreased Revenue and Increased Liabilities; Approving the City Manager’s Fiscal Distress Immediate Action Plan; and Calling for a Budget Stabilization and Fiscal Distress Plan
BACKGROUND:
At the January 20, 2026, meeting, the City Council received a presentation on financial statements and the overall financial position of the city. The City Council provided direction to the City Manager to bring forward a plan to “stop the bleeding” of the city in terms of expenses indicating that the city is in financial distress.
On August 25, 2025, the City Council received a presentation on the California Neutral Evaluation Process as established in AB 506 and codified in California Government Code - GOV § 53760.3.
The staff report from the item is attached and it outlines historical and current budget, revenue, and expenditure challenges. A key statement from the staff report was: “Utilizing fund balance is not a viable long-term strategy and will eventually lead to fiscal insolvency.” Since that presentation the financial health of the City has not improved prompting the City Council’s call for action.
Fiscal Distress Immediate Action Plan:
The City Manager offers the following actions to be considered by the City Council for immediate implementation as measures to make immediate and meaningful impact on reducing ongoing expenses and/or advance needed activities to advance long-term stability:
• Suspend the development and hiring of new positions within the City. • Implement a soft freeze on hiring requiring City Council approval to issue a conditional job offer for employment.
• Limit expense approval by the City Manager to emergency and urgent spending items if not funded through grants or other non-general fund sources. • Electricity cost reduction: The city spends more than $1 million annually on electricity. Most city facilities do not have smart controls for lighting, HVAC and other high demand items.
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Immediate action can be taken to shut-off or otherwise control utilizes at facilities when not in use with the goal of installing smart control systems in all facilities over time. • Discontinue all city sponsored travel and external training except if eligible for reimbursement or necessary for continued operations (e.g. POST reimbursable training). • Onboard an unaffiliated individual for comprehensive financial evaluation. • Create a list of creditors to send notifications allowing for the next step in the Neutral Evaluation Process to be implemented.
• Release a Request for Proposal (RFP) for auditor services for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 audit. • Establish process to place delinquent utility bills on the property tax roll. • Release and RFP for debt collection services and refer all unpaid amounts for collection. • Provide written direction to staff that all waivers and forgiveness of fees, taxes, or debt to the city be authorized only by the City Council unless for good cause or legal reasons as determined by the City Manager.
• Provide a list of City Council approved expenditures and contracts in fiscal year 2025/2026 for consideration of withdraw or amendment.
Budget Stabilization and Fiscal Distress Plan (continuing actions):
The City Manager intends to develop a Budget Stabilization and Fiscal Distress Plan for the City Council’s consideration to be presented as soon as practical likely as part of the midyear budget presentation at the March 10, 2026, City Council meeting. The plan should include the following non-exhaustive list of actions:
• Create for adoption and implementation best practices Finance Policies for financial controls of:
o Payroll
o Budgeting (including fund and department level transfer approvals levels) o Reserves
o Purchasing
o Investment
o Bank Reconciliation
o Credit Card Use
• Create an interim update to the master fee schedule and plan to release a request an RFP for a consultant to develop and recommend a comprehensive fee schedule update. • A recommendation to eliminate deficit spending within the budget at midyear. • Conduct a revenue audit of major tax sources.
• Conduct a resource optimization assessment to include opportunities to consolidate and or contract for service where a reduction in cost, improvement in service for the same cost, or a reduction in overhead and time to manage the program can be realized. This includes the potential for shared services with other fiscally stable governmental entities. • Conduct a water savings evaluation for the golf course. • A plan to release an RFP for development of an impact fee study (AB1600) • A plan to release an RFP for utility rate studies including an updated 218 process to adopt and implement fee changes.
• The development of a short-term revenue and expenditure modeling by month and a plan to present a 5-year revenue and modeling process to be included with the annual budget development schedule.
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• A plan to release an RFP for a citywide cost allocation plan • A plan to update water and wastewater policies regarding payments and forgiveness. • Evaluation / Reevaluation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations made by the City Council including the balance of approximately $400,000 after anticipated projects which must be used for qualified projects by December 31, 2026, to determine if the funds can be reassigned to higher priority activities.
• Evaluation / Reevaluation of AES donation allocation made by the City Council beyond use for general liability insurance to determine if the funds can be reassigned to higher priority activities.
• Provide a comprehensive list of tax and related revenue opportunities for consideration of the City Council.
• Work with SDI Committee to evaluate potential options to select an independent investment fiduciary for SDI funds after completion of the SDI audit.
The attached resolution would identify the local fiscal distress, approve the Fiscal Distress Immediate Action Plan above, and call for the Budget Stabilization and Fiscal Distress Plan as outlined.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the resolution Identifying Local Fiscal Distress, approve the City Manager’s Fiscal Distress Immediate Action Plan; and call for a Budget Stabilization and Fiscal Distress Plan.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution No. 26-3207
August 25, 2025, Staff Report Neutral Evaluation Process
RESOLUTION NO. 26-3207
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CALIFORNIA CITY IDENTIFYING LOCAL FISCAL DISTRESS
BASED ON DECREASED REVENUE AND INCREASED
LIABILITIES; APPROVING THE CITY MANAGER’S FISCAL
DISTRESS IMMEDIATE ACTION PLAN; AND CALLING FOR A
BUDGET STABILIZATION AND FISCAL DISTRESS PLAN
WHEREAS, the City of California City (the “City”) is a full-service city that provides residents with a police department, fire department, a regional transportation network, water, refuse and recycling, street maintenance, parks, affordable housing, economic development, recreational, cultural and educational services among other direct and indirect services; and
WHEREAS, the City has historically relied on special tax revenue to support the City’s extensive services specially public safety services; and WHEREAS, the voters non-renewal of a special tax in 2024 resulted in a sudden decline in revenue in FY 2025-26; and
WHEREAS, the City Council responded to the reduced revenue by reducing the City’s budget by and eliminating 19 permanent and 5 temporary positions; and WHEREAS, numerous capital projects have remained unfunded in light of the financial challenges faced by the City; and
WHEREAS, the City recently adopted a FY 2025-26 General Fund budget with deficit spending (expenditures exceeding revenue by more than $1 million); and WHEREAS, the City has faced challenges achieving its revenue, expenditures, and General Fund reserve targets during the past several years; and WHEREAS, the recent financial forecasts anticipate that the City will continue to operate a structural deficit for several years; and
WHEREAS, the City faces ongoing uncertainty that revenue projections may come in lower than expected; and
WHEREAS, the problem of uncertain revenue is exacerbated by the possibility of increased liabilities; and
RESOLUTION NO. 26-3207
WHEREAS, the federal government has discussed or implemented several economic policies, including tariffs, mass deportations, tax cuts, and deregulation, which may impact the national and local economy; and
WHEREAS, some economists predict that the national economy will continue to be an inflationary economic environment with rising costs of goods and labor; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the current financial condition of the City, including the significant drawdown of fund balance, and interfund payment obligations, coupled with uncertain revenues and increasing costs and liabilities warrants declaring that the city is in fiscal distress.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, DETERMINED, AND ORDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY, CALIFORNIA AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council declares that, as a result of the City’s current financial condition, uncertain revenues, and increasing costs and liabilities, the City is in fiscal distress. This declaration does not declare a fiscal emergency as defined by the California Government Code.
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby directs the City Manager to take all necessary steps to address, alleviate, and mitigate this fiscal distress. This direction does not grant the City Manager any emergency powers.
SECTION 3. The City Council hereby accepts and directs the implementation of the City Manager’s Fiscal Distress Immediate Action Plan as presented to the City Council on January 27, 2026 and further orders that the City Manager present a Budget Stabilization and Fiscal Distress Plan for consideration of the City Council as soon as practical but not later than the consideration of the midyear budget review.
SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution, and thenceforth and thereafter the same shall be in full force and effect.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of California City, this 27th day of January 2026.
__________________________
Marquette E. Hawkins
Mayor
RESOLUTION NO. 26-3207
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________________ __________________________
Leanndrea Weible Victor M. Ponto,
ActingCity Clerk City Attorney
[THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
CERTIFICATION
I, Leanndrea Weible, City Clerk of the City of California City, California, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted at a meeting of the City Council of said City at its meeting held on the 27th of January 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of California City, California, this 27th day of January 2026.
__________________________
Leanndrea Weible
Acting City Clerk
RESOLUTION NO. 26-3207
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COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
August 26, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Christopher Lopez, City Manager
SUBJECT: Discuss and Provide Direction Regarding the City’s Financial Issues and Provide Direction on Beginning the Neutral Evaluation Process BACKGROUND:
The City has historically utilized a special tax to fund various operations for the community. Due to the loss of Measure C in 2024, the City made several reductions in personnel to offset some of the reductions, as well as putting forward various items to increase revenues.
As additional background to the City’s budget issues, he City adopted its FY 24/25 Budget on March 25, 2025, which utilized fund balance to balance the budget. On July 8, 2025, the Mayor and Council adopted the FY 25/26 Budget with the use of fund balance again to balance the budget.
The City has now adopted two budgets in the last six months that utilized fund balance to balance its operating budgets.
Over the last year, the City has asked voters to approve an extension of Measure C, which generated approximately $6M in revenues to fund public safety in the city, which expired on June 30, 2024 to help alleviate the City’s budget situation. Voters have not approved these initiatives, resulting in a lack of ongoing revenues to support city operations. In July 2025, the Mayor and City Council received polling results from registered voters that identified the lack of public support for a tax measure to fund critical operations in the City. As a result, the Council directed staff not to prepare items for a ballot measure asking voters to approve a special parcel tax to fund critical operations.
While various adjustments have been made to the budget, with the most notable one resulting in the elimination of 19 positions and saving $1.3M, there remains significant budget and service delivery issues in the community. Numerous residents have noticed these impacts, including the lack of maintenance at City facilities, and staff only responding to items on an emergency basis due to lack of staffing and funding.
General Fund Overview
The general fund is the primary operating fund for the City. The general fund pays for many of the services offered to the City’s residents including city personnel for Planning, Public Works
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Administration, Clerk’s Office, a portion of Police and Fire Department costs, and Recreation programming. While many cities fund public safety primarily through the general fund, California City has funded the bulk of its public safety departments through a special tax for public safety.
Relying on a special tax measure with an expiration date for such a critical function has the effect of funding a primary function of local government with a temporary funding stream. Funding a core element of local government with a temporary revenue is not a best practice as it locks the city into a guaranteed crises every few years if there is no funding mechanism to take over the finite revenue stream. With the expiration of Measure C, this created a significant hole in the City’s budget since it relied on a temporary measure to fund public safety.
The pattern of temporarily funding such core functions of government has locked the City into a pattern of instability and resulted in many issues for the California City community.
Historical Review of Special Tax Revenues and Expenditures: Budget Problem While Measure C covered a significant portion of the City’s public safety costs, the City ran deficits in these operations for many years. This means that even with the allocation of Measure C, or other special tax revenues, the city was unable to contain its expenditures within the revenues generated for public safety. The table below lists the total revenues, and the respective expenditures over the last ten years. The numbers included below are taken from the city’s audited financial statements, which can be viewed on the Finance Department website.
Fiscal Year
Ended
Public Safety
Revenues
Expenditures Excess (deficiency) of
revenues over (under)
expenditures
2015 $ 6,753,885 $ 7,307,711 $ (553,826)
2016 $ 6,794,075 $ 8,153,345 $ (1,359,270)
2017 $ 6,658,706 $ 8,632,413 $ (1,973,707)
2018 $ 6,934,156 $ 6,884,488 $ 49,668
2019 $ 7,787,816 $ 8,043,685 $ (255,869)
2020 $ 7,283,017 $ 8,857,956 $ (1,574,939)
2021 $ 7,704,425 $ 7,330,376 $ 374,049
2022 $ 7,583,090 $ 8,414,445 $ (831,355)
2023 $ 7,229,442 $ 7,593,986 $ (364,544)
2024 $ 6,621,949 $ 8,588,388 $ (1,966,439)
In the last ten years, and based on the City’s audited financial statements, the city exceeded its public safety expenditures in eight of the last ten years. This means that the city’s special tax for public safety was only covering a portion of the City’s public safety costs. The additional funding necessary to cover this expense was covered through the general fund.
Use of Fund Balance to Balance the Budget
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The use of fund balance to cover ongoing expenditures is not a recommended practice. Given the city’s accrual of fund balance in the general fund, the City is able to utilize this funding in order to balance the city’s budget. This deficit spending should be remedied, and a long-term solution is necessary to remove the City’s reliance on one time funding.
Utilizing fund balance is not a viable long-term strategy and will eventually lead to fiscal insolvency.
Additionally, the elimination of personnel in 2024 had the effect of lessening total general fund expenditures and thereby lessening the deficit for the fiscal year. Those reductions in personnel did come at a service cost since there is currently no maintenance staff to perform duties at the parks, city hall, senior center, and other core functions of the City. Reductions in maintenance and operations expenditures have also provided significant savings to the community, but the City is grappling with conditions related to service insolvency, as its unable to meet basic demands for service.
Financial Health Indicators
When reviewing various items that provide an indication to the City’s financial health, the following items should raise concern as it relates to the City’s financial health, which are currently being utilized by the City:
1. Use of fund balance to balance the budget
2. Net operating deficits in the general fund
3. City is unable to keep pace with aging of capital assets outside of public safety
4. General fund subsidies occur in enterprise funds including the Airport Fund and the Golf Course Fund
5. Nonrecurring revenues from development have been utilized to fund operating costs (use of one-time revenue from development projects)
6. Public service levels do not need the standards and needs in the community These practices are indicative of the broader issues related to the City’s ability to remain solvent into the future.
Insolvency:
California City has experienced significant stress due to ongoing deficits that have resulted in the inability to provide core services to the community. Without additional painful cuts to critical and vital services, and in the absence of new revenue sources, the City is headed towards fiscal insolvency. Opportunity still exists for the City of California City to address its financial condition, but it will require significant, difficult, and challenging conversations related to how to move the City towards financial sustainability.
It should be noted that according to John Knox and Marc Levinson, who wrote the document titled, Avoiding and Using Chapter 9 in Times of Fiscal Stress, they state that “filing for bankruptcy protection under chapter 9 should be considered a last resort, to be effected only after every effort has been made to avoid it.”
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They also state that, “In these circumstances, painful cuts in service levels, employee compensation and other expenses may be required, as well as increased revenues through higher taxes or fees.”
As an overview, the information below is included to illustrate the process by which a public agency seeks bankruptcy protection.
Eligibility to File for Bankruptcy Protection
In a presentation provided to the League of California Cities by individuals who represented the City of San Bernardino during their bankruptcy, they note the following items to be eligible for bankruptcy protection:
To be eligible, must:
1. Be a municipality
2. Be authorized under state law and meet any state requirements a. In CA under AB 506, either engage in “neutral evaluation process” (i.e. mediation) or declare a fiscal emergency
3. Be insolvent
4. Desire to effect a plan of adjustment
5. Negotiate with creditors or show negotiations would be impracticable
6. Show that petition was filed in good faith
Neutral Evaluation Process
California Government Code - GOV § 53760.3 spells out the process regarding the Neutral Evaluation Process which is a step necessary to file for bankruptcy protection. This section of the code is attached to this staff report for reference.
Relevant portions of the process are included below for reference:
A local public entity may initiate the neutral evaluation process if the local public entity is or likely will become unable to meet its financial obligations as and when those obligations are due or become due and owing. The local public entity shall initiate the neutral evaluation by providing notice by certified mail of a request for neutral evaluation to all interested parties as defined in Section 53760.1.
(b) Interested parties shall respond within 10 business days of receipt of notice of the local public entity’s request for neutral evaluation.
(c) (1) The local public entity and the interested parties agreeing to participate in the neutral evaluation shall, through a mutually agreed-upon process, select the neutral evaluator to oversee the neutral evaluation process and facilitate all discussions in an effort to resolve their disputes. (2) If the local public entity and interested parties fail to agree on a neutral evaluator within seven days after the interested parties have responded to the notification sent by the public entity,
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the public entity shall select five qualified neutral evaluators and provide their names, references, and backgrounds to the participating interested parties. Within three business days, a majority of participating interested parties may strike up to four names from the list. If a majority of participating interested parties strikes four names, the remaining candidate shall be the neutral evaluator. If the majority of participating parties strikes fewer than four names, the local public entity may choose which of the remaining candidates shall be the neutral evaluator. (d) A neutral evaluator shall have experience and training in conflict resolution and alternative dispute resolution and shall meet at least one of the following qualifications:
(1) At least 10 years of high-level business or legal practice involving bankruptcy or service as a United States Bankruptcy Judge.
(2) Professional experience or training in municipal finance and one or more of the following issue areas:
(A) Municipal organization.
(B) Municipal debt restructuring.
(C) Municipal finance dispute resolution.
(D) Chapter 9 bankruptcy.
(E) Public finance.
(F) Taxation.
(G) California constitutional law.
(H) California labor law.
(I) Federal labor law.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Council discuss and direct the City Attorney and City Manager’s Office to begin the neutral evaluation process.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Government Code Text
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1 COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM January 27, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Joe D. Barragan, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Accept the bid as submitted by Aventus NV Inc. Company for the Vivian Pl Water Main Replacement Project from Cal-City Blvd to Charlene Pl in the amount of $214,849.72 and authorize the Mayor to execute the construction agreement.
BACKGROUND/ DISCUSSION:
The Water Department has responded to several reports of low water pressure on Vivian Pl, and the city has identified and repaired multiple main water breaks in the area. To enhance water reliability, reduce the frequency of main breaks and service disruptions, and provide more consistent water pressure and fire flow capacity, the planned long-term solution involves replacing 850 feet of 8-inch and 160 feet of 6-inch water main.
On December 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM, the City Clerk formally opened three sealed bids for the Vivian Pl Water Main Replacement Project.
The following is the tabulation of the bids:
No. Bidder Total Bid
1 Aventus NV Inc. $214,849.72
2 R.E. Chaffee
Construction $318,500.00
3 GRBCON Inc $484,532.00
Advantus NV Inc, approved by BHT Engineering Inc. as the lowest responsible bidder, has thirty working days to complete the project.
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2 FISCAL IMPACT: Water Fund Balance GL# 51-5115.
Costs: Bid Construction Total: $ 214,849.72
Contingency 10%: $ 21,485.00
Construction Management and Materials
Sampling & Testing 15%: $ 32,227.00
Total Construction Phase Cost: $ 268,561.72
Funding: Local Match $ 268,561.72
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the bid submitted by Aventus NV Inc. for the Vivian Pl Water Main Replacement Project in the amount of $214,849.72, and authorize the Mayor to execute the corresponding construction agreement.
Staff additionally recommend approving $32,227 (15%) for construction management, materials sampling, and testing—key components for successful project completion. These funds are capped as "not to exceed" unless the Council gives additional authorization. Contingency funds are set aside to cover unforeseen work that may arise during construction.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
CEQA Notice of Exemption filed
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Bids Summary
2. Site Map
BHT Engineering, Inc.
Job# 25414
12/4/2025
BIDS SUMMARY
Bid opening: 12/03/2025 @ 2:00 PM ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE
ITEM UNIT OF EST. PRICE TOTAL PRICE TOTAL PRICE TOTAL PRICE TOTAL NO. ITEM CODE MEASURE QNTY PER UNIT PRICE PER UNIT PRICE PER UNIT PRICE PER UNIT PRICE 1 Provide and Install New 8" C-900 PVC Main Water line L.F. 850 $ 148,750.00 175.00 $ $ 94.43 $ 80,265.50 $ 161,500.00 190.00 $ 288.00 $ 244,800.00 $ 2 Provide and Install New 6" C-900 PVC Main Water line L.F. 160 $ 24,000.00 150.00 $ $ 74.88 $ 11,980.80 $ 20,000.00 125.00 $ 358.00 $ 57,280.00 $ 3 Provide and Install New 8" Gate Valves, valve boxes, and valve boxes hangers. EA. 3 $ 19,500.00 6,500.00 $ $ 7,631.93 $ 22,895.79 $ 18,000.00 6,000.00 $ 11,072.00 $ 33,216.00 $ 4 Provide and Install New 6" Gate Valves, valve boxes, and valve boxes hangers. EA. 1 $ 6,200.00 6,200.00 $ $ 6,422.48 $ 6,422.48 $ 6,500.00 6,500.00 $ 10,367.00 $ 10,367.00 $ 5 Provide and Install New 1" polyethylene on Short Service Laterals (10 LF Typ) / Tie-in to existing meter. EA. 3 $ 15,000.00 5,000.00 $ $ 17,258.61 $ 51,775.83 $ 39,000.00 13,000.00 $ 21,453.00 $ 64,359.00 $ 6 Provide and Install New 1" polyethylene on Long Service Laterals (45 LF Typ) / Tie-in to existing meter. EA. 1 $ 7,500.00 7,500.00 $ $ 3,360.08 $ 3,360.08 $ 15,000.00 15,000.00 $ 9,535.00 $ 9,535.00 $ 7 Remove and Replace Existing Fire Hydrants including laterals and all required appurtenances. EA. 2 $ 15,000.00 $ 30,000.00 $ 4,970.20 $ 9,940.40 $ 13,000.00 $ 26,000.00 $ 13,700.00 $ 27,400.00 8 Trenching of Main Water lines/ Service Laterals under existing Asphalt Pavement. Asphalt Restoration per Kern County Plate R-55.
L.F. 100 $ 350.00 $ 35,000.00 $ 155.03 $ 15,503.00 $ 175.00 $ 17,500.00 $ 153.50 $ 15,350.00 9 Temporary Traffic Control L.S. 1 $ 6,500.00 6,500.00 $ $ 12,705.84 $ 12,705.84 $ 15,000.00 15,000.00 $ $ 22,225.00 $ 22,225.00 Construction Subtotal… $ 292,450.00
BID TOTAL… $ 214,849.72 BID TOTAL… $ BID TOTAL… 484,532.00 318,500.00 $ BID 2
R.E. CHAFFEE CONST
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
KERN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
VIVIAN PL WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT
BID 1
ADVANTUS NV INC GRBCON INC
BID 3
FROM CCB TO CHARLENE PL
Vivian Pl Water main replacement
1,918
© Latitude Geographics Group Ltd.
0.1 Legend
1:
WGS_1984_Web_Mercator_Auxiliary_Sphere
0 0.03 0.1 Miles Notes This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site and is for general reference only. The County of Kern assumes no liability for damages, incurred by the user of this information, which occur directly or indirectly as a result of errors, omissions or discrepancies in the information.
Roads
Freeway
Highway
Major
Minor
Local
Ramp
Unpaved
Parcels Land
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COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
January 27, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Sean Grayson, Interim City Manager
SUBJECT: A Discussion and Direction on the Preparation of a Ballot Measure to Put Before the Voters on the June 2, 2026, Primary Election Amending the City’s Transient Occupancy Tax Rate BACKGROUND/ DISCUSSION:
On January 13, 2026, there was a request from Mayor Pro Tem Creighton for a discussion item to be agendized for the City Council to consider placing a measure on the June 2026 ballot to increase the City’s Transient Occupancy Tax (“TOT”). With the deadline to add a ballot measure to the June 2, 2026 election fast approaching, the purpose of this agenda item is to outline the possible timeline and actions required for placing a TOT measure on June 2, 2026 ballot.
The Transient Occupancy Tax (“TOT”) also known as a “hotel tax” or a “bed tax”, is authorized under State Revenue and Taxation Code section 7280, as an additional source of non-property tax revenue to local government. This tax applies to persons staying 30 days or less in hotels, motels, inns, short-term rentals (including Airbnb, VRBO, and similar listings), or similar accommodations, with the tax on the customer’s rent payment for a room rather than the lodging establishment itself. In this regard the tax is not paid by California City community members, rather it is paid by those who utilize local hotels and short-term rental locations. Taxes collected are remitted by all approved lodging operators within the City.
The City of California City has a current TOT rate of 6% as established in Title 3 “Finance”, Chapter 2 “Revenue”, Division 4 “Transient Occupancy” of the municipal code, which contributes to the General Fund revenue. The TOT generates approximately $75,000 annually for the City, and accounts for approximately 1% of its revenue sources.
The City has not raised its TOT from 6% since 2006, making it lower than most other cities in the County and the State of California. McFarland is the only other Kern County city with a TOT of 6%, with the countywide average at 9.3%. A 10% TOT is the most common rate for cities and counties statewide although the statewide average for all jurisdictions is more than 12%. In 2016 the voters considered an increase to the TOT with Measure T that did not pass; and in 2024 the City Council considered a TOT increase, but it was not advanced to the November 2024 ballot.
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Taxes, Voter Approval, and Legal Parameters
A tax is a monetary imposition by a government on persons or property to generate revenue for governmental purposes. Unlike assessments or fees, a tax does not need to be levied in proportion to a specific benefit to a person or property. California general law cities (such as California City) receive their authority to tax from state law. State law sets certain limits and procedures and may exempt certain activities from taxes levied by general law cities.
The passage of Proposition 13 in 1978 created a distinction between “general” and “special” taxes.
Proposition 218, in 1996, further defined and established procedures for general taxes.
General Tax:
• A general tax is a tax imposed for general governmental purposes, the proceeds of which are deposited into the General Fund.
• A majority vote of the electorate (50% plus 1 of those voting on the measure) is required to impose, extend or increase any general tax.
• Elections for general taxes must coincide with regularly scheduled general election of city council members.
Special Tax:
• A special tax is a tax that is collected and earmarked for a specific purpose and deposited either into a separate account or the General Fund.
• A two-thirds vote of the electorate is required to impose, extend or increase any special tax. • Elections for special taxes may be placed on the ballot of any election, including odd-numbered years.
In summary, a TOT general tax amendment must align with a general municipal election which only occurs in November of even numbered years and requires a majority vote to pass. A TOT special tax amendment does not need to align with a general election and can be added to a special election in an odd numbered year. However, it requires a two-thirds majority vote to pass.
Fiscal Emergency Exception:
California Constitution Article XIII C, section 2 (b) requires that any proposed general tax be approved by a majority of the voters at a regularly scheduled general municipal election for the City Council, “except in cases of emergency declared by a unanimous vote of the governing body.” California state Elections Code and the California Constitution detail the requirements for cities considering placing a revenue measure on the ballot at an upcoming election. To place a general tax measure on a ballot other than a regularly scheduled general municipal election, the California Constitution requires that a fiscal emergency be declared by a unanimous vote of the City Council.
Should the City Council’s direction be to place a general tax to increase the TOT on the June 2, 2026, the City Council would need to unanimously approve a Resolution Declaring a Fiscal Emergency Pursuant to Article XIII C of the Constitution of the State of California prior to or in the same action as the Resolution and Ordinance needed to place the measure on the ballot.
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Declaring a Fiscal Emergency:
Much of the law related to cities declaring fiscal emergencies revolves around what actions the cities take after the declaration. If the City’s only considered action related to the declaration is to submit a general tax to the June 2, 2026 ballot, Article XIII C of the Constitution of the State of California specifically authorizes that action under a declared emergency. The declaration of a fiscal emergency should still include three fact patterns to support an ongoing emergency including:
#1. The City Council needs to determine if there is an actual financial emergency, not a transient occurrence that does not affect continued service levels. #2. The City Council needs to determine that it has taken reasonable steps to address the problem prior to invoking the emergency.
#3. The City Council needs to consider any alternatives to declaring an emergency.
Required Actions and Timeline for a TOT Ballot Measure:
Per California Elections Code Section 9222, the City Council “may submit to the voters, without a petition therefor, a proposition for the repeal, amendment, or enactment of any ordinance, to be voted upon at any succeeding regular or special city election, and if the proposition submitted receives a majority of the votes cast on it at the election, the ordinance shall be repealed, amended, or enacted accordingly. A proposition may be submitted, or a special election may be called for the purpose of voting on a proposition, by ordinance or resolution. The election shall be held not less than 88 days after the date of the order of election.” In adherence to the Kern County Elections Department’s schedule and the California Elections Code, the City must adopt a Resolution and submit it to the County by March 6, 2026, calling for a general municipal election ballot measure on June 2, 2026, and requesting consolidation with the county. The fiscal emergency resolution (if needed), Ordinance to modify the TOT rate, and Resolution calling for the ballot measure could be adopted at the February 10, 2026, regular City Council meeting to meet the March 6, 2026, deadline.
Alternatively, the City Council could direct that the item be placed on November 3, 2026, general election which is a regular election for the City.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None with this action. Should the City Council direct that the item be placed on the ballot there would be legal and election costs estimated to cost $20,000. These costs would apply to either the June 2 or November 3, 2026 dates as the City is already consolidating each election with Kern County for a special City Councilmember election and Mayor, City Councilmember, and Treasurer election respectively.
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RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council discuss and provide direction to staff on the preparation of a ballot measure to put before the voters on the June 2, 2026, General Election amending the City’s Transient Occupancy Tax rate.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.