BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WILLIAM MANN
President
BRADLEY KLEIN
Vice President
NATALIA HEREDIA
Treasurer
LUPE ENRIQUEZ
Secretary
LAURA ROBINSON
Executive Director
SERVICE EMPLOYEES
INTERNATIONAL UNION
SANTA BARBARA OFFICE
350 S. HOPE AVE # A103
SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105
Phone: 805.963.0601
Fax: 805.963.8341
SANTA MARIA OFFICE
114 N. VINE STREET
SANTA MARIA, CA 93454
Phone: 805.963.0601
Fax: 805.614.7620
April 7, 2026
Public Comment Regarding : Consent Agenda Item 11.d.3. Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Updated General Fund Reserve Policy and Section 115 Trust
Dear Mayor Patino and Councilmembers,
On behalf of SEIU Local 620 , we appreciate the opportunity to comment on the proposed restructuring of the City’s General Fund reserves and the establishment of a Section 115 Trust.
SEIU recognize s the importance and support s the overall intent of the updated reserve policy. Maintaining fiscally responsible reserves, realigning goals to reasonable bes t-practice levels, improving transparency between different reserve categories, and responsibly funding pension and OPEB obligations are important tools for long -term financial stability for the City and its workforce . The establishment of a Section 115 Trust in particular , and the potential increased rate of return , represents a positive step toward the City’s reserves working FOR the City. We thank you and the finance team for taking these measures.
However, we respectfully urge the City Council to remain mindful of the indirect impact as the policy is applied in future budget cycles . As operating costs increase, reserve targets increase as well, which can place added pressure on future budgets. Too often, that pressure shows up in staffing and service levels and collective bargaining . We respectfully ask the Council to be mindful of this impact when making fiscal decisions, and to ensure that building savings does not take priority over paying the City’s everyday bills—especially the cost of maintaining and supporting the workforce that delivers essential public services.
Periodic evaluation of reserve targets, transparency about how reserve requirements interact with labor costs, and flexibility in extraordinary circumstances would help ensure that fiscal discipline does not inadvertently come at the expense of employees or the community.
In closing, we want to reiterate SEIU Local 620’s support for the City’s efforts to responsibly restructure its reserves and establish the Section 115 Trust.
With continued collaboration, open communication, and a balanced approach, we believe this policy can help strengthen the City’s financial foundation while also supporting the employees serving the community every day.
Thank you for your time and service.
Sincerely,
Nicole Bryant
Field Representative
SEIU Local 620
[email protected]