DATE:
June 16, 2026
TO:
Mayor and Council Members
FROM:
Rachel Molina, City Manager
BY:
Melinda Sayre, Deputy City Manager/ City Clerk
Jessica Giber, Assistant City Clerk
SUBJECT:
Adoption of Candidate Statement Regulations for November 3, 2026 Election
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution 2026-25 adopting regulations for candidate statements for District two (2), District three (3), and District four (4) as estimated by the San Bernardino County Elections Office.
BACKGROUND
Under the provisions of the laws relating to General Law cities, the City’s General Municipal Election shall be held on November 3, 2026 for the election of three (3) members of the City Council to serve four-year terms, one (1) seat each in Districts Two (2), Three (3), and Four (4).
Section 13307 (c) of the Elections Code allows the City to adopt fee regulations to charge candidates for the costs incurred for providing candidate statements in the voter pamphlet.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
At the time the agenda was printed the San Bernardino County Elections office was unable to provide a cost estimate due to an ongoing cost analysis related to providing consolidated election services being conducted by the County Administrative Office. The County estimates that they will have a cost breakdown available in early July 2026 just prior to the beginning of the nomination period on July 13, 2026. The deadline for cities to adopt regulations regarding Candidate Statements is July 6, 2026.
The final cost of providing the candidate’s statement will be provided by the county Elections Office several months after the election. Candidates choosing to file a candidate statement will be charged the estimated amount provided by the County when they submit their candidate statement during the nomination period. They will then be refunded or sent an invoice for the difference between the estimate and actual candidate statement costs once the Elections Office provides that final cost.
For reference, during the 2024 election the estimated Candidate Statement cost was $773 for District one (1) and $799 for District five (5). Staff anticipate that the cost will be slightly higher for the current election cycle.
CITY GOAL SUPPORTED BY THIS ITEM
Organizational Health – Foster a high performing organization that provides opportunities for professional growth.
Financial Health – Maintain a balanced budget and adequate reserves.
FISCAL IMPACT
Election expenses have been identified in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget. Actual election costs will not be known until after the November 3, 2026 election.
ALTERNATIVE(S)
Provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Resolution No. 2026-25
City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
Staff Report to the Mayor and Council Members
Adoption of Candidate Statement Fee
June 16, 2026