Manteca · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Manteca public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
FY 2026-27 budget
The half-cent Measure Q sales tax is on pace to hit $14.5 million this year, funding fire engines, police vehicles, twelve public safety positions, road repair backfill, and park equipment. Next year roughly half of it — about $8 million — would go to debt service on bonds for the new police department and fire station six, raising concerns that parks, a rec center, and roads get squeezed.
MTSSA Labor Agreement and Salary Schedules
Two unions representing over 200 employees said the city's 2% offers fall below inflation and cited unpaid 2008-era wage sacrifices. The city manager says 17 meetings have occurred and a deal is near.
Measure Q use and oversight questions
The three-quarter-cent sales tax approved in 2024 is keeping the city from making operational cuts and is funding big projects like the new police headquarters and Fire Station Six. Staff plans a 17-year bond for facilities and is pursuing grants to stretch Measure Q dollars further.
$65 Million Lease Revenue Bond Issuance
The authority authorized up to $65 million in lease revenue bonds to bankroll city capital improvements. The bonds earned a AA- rating from S&P, keeping borrowing costs low, and will be repaid by June 2045 alongside Measure Q's sunset.
Citywide Job Classification Study Implementation
Manteca is reviewing how much it pays city workers compared to other cities to make sure it doesn't lose staff. This study helps set fair pay scales and keeps city services running smoothly.
Park Dedication and In-Lieu Fee Update
Park fees for new homes more than double — from $3.99 to $8.53 per square foot for single-family — funding parkland as Manteca grows. First update since 2016; the builders' association supported it.
Qualex Building Roof and Remediation Work
Roughly $760,000 in contracts were proposed to replace the roof and do remediation at the Qualex Building at 555 Industrial Park Drive, which the city is buying.
Landscape maintenance district assessments
Annual assessments for landscape and benefit districts will be collected unchanged for FY 2026-27; the hearing drew no public comment.
City Manager employment agreement amendment
Council raised City Manager Toni Lundgren's base salary to $338,113 starting July, citing a comp study showing she was below market and nearly paid less than her own deputies.
November 2026 general municipal election called
The council formally called the November 3, 2026 election for Mayor and Council Districts 3 and 4. The clerk's office will host a candidate information night on May 28 for anyone thinking about running.
Capital Improvement Program General Plan Conformity
The city's five-year infrastructure wish list — 256 projects totaling roughly $690 million, mostly water, sewer and roads — was found consistent with the 2043 General Plan. Actual funding decisions belong to the City Council.
Measure M Public Safety Sales Tax Financial Oversight
The oversight committee reviewed financial reports, trends, and five-year forecasts for the Measure M sales tax, ensuring tax dollars are properly tracked and allocated to local police and fire services.
Government building impact fee increase
New development will pay more per square foot to fund civic facilities like the $86M police headquarters, library, and animal shelter. Council says Measure Q closes the funding gap; developers' group had concerns but staff adjusted the study.
Public records request workload
Council members asked for numbers on how much staff time the city's 509 public records requests consumed in 2025, noting requests have gotten more complex with AI tools. Clerk staff and the city manager promised statistics.
Mid-year budget and second quarter financial update
City finances are healthy: revenues up $4.2M, spending up $3.1M, net positive $1.1M. Police and fire overtime is driving some spending increases; more staffing requests may come.
Measure Q Financial Status Review
The city finally delivered its annual financial audit on time with a clean opinion, after years of being behind. Audit adjustments dropped from over 100 to 15, and the city regained a double-A credit rating that saves ratepayers on debt.