San Bernardino · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Bernardino public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Litigation settlements totaling $583,500
The council settled four lawsuits against the city for a combined $583,500, all approved unanimously in closed session. Residents won't see this on any agenda line item, but it's real money coming from the city's liability exposure.
Elected officials' compensation
A new pay plan for top city staff includes a 3.5% cost-of-living increase — and a contested $29,000 raise for the police chief. It passed over one no vote.
Arts and downtown revitalization funding
A blunt debate broke out over whether anything is actually happening downtown. Veteran commissioners said twelve years of "it takes time" hasn't produced visible results, noting the fire at the old Woolworth building, while staff countered that the general plan, housing element and downtown specific plan are now all in place and it's time to execute.
Solid Waste Rate Increases
Trash rates are rising for the first phase since SB 1383 implementation, with the typical residential customer paying $31.41 instead of $27.75 monthly starting August 1. Most of the jump is the state-mandated organics program, and residents can offset costs with a senior discount or smaller 35-gallon cans. Future years get automatic CPI increases capped at 5%.
Smart Technology Building Acquisition
The city proposed buying a building at 793 N. 'E' Street for about $3.67 million from the General Fund. What the city plans to do with the property matters for Ward 1 taxpayers.