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.
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.
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.
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.
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.