Dublin · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dublin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City Investment Portfolio Performance
The council approved its yearly review of how the city invests public funds, with updates for new state law and a formal role for the Finance and Investment Committee.
Merger of Human Services and Parks & Community Services Commissions
The council formally erased the Human Services Commission from the city code, completing its September consolidation with the Parks and Community Services Commission. Community health and welfare oversight now sits with the broader commission.
Human Services Grant Program Oversight
The city allocated $319,000 in federal grant funds to support the Tri-Valley Haven shelter expansion and the School of Imagination classroom project.
Employee cost-of-living adjustments
All city employees received an additional 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment retroactive to July 1, bringing this year's total to 3.2%. Department heads and the City Manager got their own adjustments under a separate salary plan resolution.
Sister City cultural event fee waiver
The Dublin Sister City Association wants the city to waive about $2,717 in rental fees so it can host a free, family-friendly cultural celebration tied to Dublin's partnership with Bray, Ireland. The group plans to raise $3,000+ through vendors, sponsors, and performers.
Youth Mini-Grant Program outcomes
The committee reviewed how it will score applications for its youth mini-grant program, which has $10,000 to give to Dublin youth clubs for arts, cultural, and other activities. Funding recommendations still need commission and council approval.
Employee Cost-of-Living Adjustment Methodology
Employees got a 1.7% cost-of-living raise in 2026, which the council felt fell short of actual inflation. The pay question now heads to a closed session on September 15.
Fund Balance and Reserves Policy Modernization
Dublin's rules for how much money it keeps in reserve — and how it can spend it — haven't been fully updated since 2015. Staff proposed simplifying the policy and aligning it with current priorities, with changes eventually headed to the City Council. This affects how well the city can weather economic downturns, emergencies, and future infrastructure bills.
Staff Cost-of-Living Adjustment Discussion
The council asked for a future discussion item on the cost-of-living adjustment given to city staff in 2026 — signaling interest in reviewing employee compensation.
City Council and Mayor Salary Adjustments
The council voted 3-2 to introduce an ordinance raising councilmember pay to $1,730.56 per month and setting the mayor's additional salary at $400 per month, effective after the November 2026 election.
Financial Sustainability and Cost Recovery Framework
The Parks Department is moving beyond its one-size-fits-all 65% cost recovery goal from 2018 toward a tiered model that treats community-benefit programs (like parks and events) differently from individual-benefit ones (like classes and rentals). Fees for some programs could change once the framework is built, but nothing is decided yet.
Transient Occupancy Tax Increase
The council couldn't muster the four votes needed to put a hotel tax increase on the November ballot. Rates would have gone from 8% to 10% in 2027 and 12% in 2028, with a new exemption for military families at the Parks Reserve Forces Training Area.
Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District Deficits
Annual assessments for existing landscaping and lighting districts plus a proposed new Street Light Assessment District 2026-1, subject to Proposition 218 protest procedures.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Master Fee Schedule Adjustments
The council was set to hold a public hearing on trash, disposal, and recycling rates from Amador Valley Industries for 2026-27, which directly affects residents' utility bills.
GHAD Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budgets
The three geologic hazard districts collect special assessments from homeowners in Fallon Village, Fallon Crossing, and Schaefer Ranch to prevent and fix landslide and slope hazards. The proposed budgets total roughly $1.95 million in combined spending next year.
Councilmember and Mayor compensation
A proposed ordinance to raise councilmember pay and lower the mayor's extra salary failed 2-2, and the Council couldn't agree on when to revisit it.
Proposed hotel tax increase (Transient Occupancy Tax)
The Council weighed putting a measure before voters to raise the hotel tax from 8% to 10% in 2027 and to 12% in 2028. Instead, it asked staff for more data and a return by August 7, 2026.
Preliminary Two-Year Budget FY 2026-27 and 2027-28
The Council adopted the budget for the coming fiscal year, adding a new school crossing guard and a one-time Community Development Block Grant contribution.
City staffing vacancies under AB 2561
A required public hearing showed the city's 2025 position vacancies; the council told staff to keep pushing on recruitment and retention.
FY 2026-28 Two-Year Strategic Plan Adoption
The city established its roadmap for the next two years, prioritizing public safety staffing, infrastructure preservation, housing production, and downtown growth.
MCE Corporation Maintenance Agreement Costs
The city's maintenance agreement with MCE Corporation is costing more, and the committee dug into the details. Rising contract costs put pressure on the operating budget the city is trying to keep balanced.
Review of City Mission, Values, and Council Norms
The City Council discussed updates to their guiding principles, proposing stronger language around inclusive housing access, meeting preparation, and supporting majority decisions.
Strategic Objectives for 2026-2028
The council reviewed seven proposed strategic priorities and gave feedback to staff to guide city initiatives over the next two years.
Preliminary Two-Year Operating Budget Preview
The council received an early look at the city's upcoming two-year operating budget to prepare for upcoming fiscal planning.
Review and restructuring of the Human Services Grant Program
The grant program was overhauled into a two-year cycle with a single joint application shared with Livermore and Pleasanton. The commission is weighing what's working and what's not so future grant dollars go where they'll do the most good.
Fiscal Year 2024-25 Human Services Grant Program results
The city gave $330,000 to local nonprofits last year, and about $307,854 was actually used — nearly $22,146 went unspent, mostly because two organizations never claimed their awards. The year-end report shows which organizations delivered services like senior meals, homeless prevention, and legal aid.
2026 Legislative Platform and Policy Priorities
The City updated its legislative platform to guide state and federal lobbying efforts, incorporating new protections for immigrant communities and opposition to private prisons.
Fiscal Year 2025-26 Second Quarter Financial Review
Dublin's midyear budget check shows strong interest earnings and new federal tax credits are helping offset drops in recreation and development revenue. The city projects an operating surplus of over $17.7 million and solid reserves.
2026 Finance and Investment Committee Work Plan and Schedule
The committee transitioned to a monthly meeting schedule for 2026 to handle more financial reviews, including budgets, financial policies, and bond issuances before they go to the full City Council.