Public Workshop
3/18/2026, 5:30 PM to 6:20 PM
Shepard Hall, Santa Maria Public Library
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Residents in Attendance: 2 – refer to sign in sheet
Cit
y Staff in Attendance: Springer, Fishman, Baker, Alvarado, Ruiz, Torres-Sanchez (bilingual interpreter)
W
orkshop started at 5:30 PM.
1. R
esident Question: How does the City’s population relate to the number of customer accounts shown on the slide?
Ut
ilities Response: Each customer account represents one address for service. For example, a single- family residential property with one Trash cart is one customer account. Likewise, a multi-family apartment complex with a dozen dumpsters still only counts as one customer account.
2. R
esident Question: Does the State give the City funding for fleet electrification? Ut
ilities Response: No; the City views the State’s electrification requirement as an unfunded mandate. Concerningly, the Utilities Department piloted an electric truck in the last two years and learned that a single truck can not complete a full route, which means the City must double its fleet to run the same routes. The City will wait to make this investment until it can no longer be delayed. The intention is to purchase the vehicles at the last available chance to be the most cost-effective for the community.
3. R
esident Question: Regarding fleet electrification, are there any real estimates for the cost of power and maintenance for the charging infrastructure? Ut
ilities Response: This is difficult to predict . In the assumptions for this rate- setting period, operation and maintenance expenses are being maintained at current levels, but the expense of the charging infrastructure alone is currently estimated at about $3.5-million. The estimates are made in coordination with the City Public Works Department Fleet Division based on best-known information.
4. R
esident Question: Where does the green waste go?
Ut
ilities Response: Engel & Gray Composting Facility on Ray Road, where i t is composted and repurposed.
W
orkshop ended at 6:20 PM.
ATTACHMENT B