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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.