Stockton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Stockton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Civil Service Commission Compensation
Civil Service Commission members will now be paid $150 per meeting, a change intended to support recruitment and retention on the charter-established commission.
Police vehicle fleet purchase and upfitting costs
The city is spending over $2 million on 32 interceptors and 4 motorcycles, plus a change order pushing the upfitting contract to $7.6 million — nearly triple the 2023 award. Speakers demanded transparency and local vendor opportunities.
Measure A Oversight Reports
The citizens' committee that watches over the Measure A sales tax delivered overdue annual reports covering 2018-2024 plus the current budget report, and the council accepted both. Measure A funds public safety services citywide.
2027 Employee Health Plan Premiums
The council adopted monthly premium rates for the city's 2027 employee health plans and accepted the annual health benefits report, then asked staff to come back September 29 with more detail. This affects city employees' out-of-pocket health costs.
City Manager employment agreement
The council approved an amended contract for City Manager Johnny Ford that raises his base salary, effective August 20, 2026. It passed 6-0 with one member absent, and the salary schedule will be updated to match.
Workforce vacancies and hiring reform
The city's vacancy rate sits at 13.07%, nearly double the normal 7-9%, driven largely by police hiring. HR is modernizing civil service rules and mapping the police recruit process.
FY 2026-27 City Budget Tops $1 Billion
The adopted budget totals about $1.05 billion with the general fund at $344.5 million, 77% going to police and fire. The working capital reserve dips slightly below the 16.67% target.
Monthly Town Halls Beginning in June
Starting in June, the mayor is launching monthly town halls where residents can talk with her directly in their own neighborhoods. It's billed as expanding public participation in city government.
Property Tax Sharing with the County
The new master agreement gives Stockton 40% of property tax growth from future annexations instead of 20% — meaning more revenue to serve newly annexed neighborhoods. Two specific annexations (LeBaron Ranch and Thornton Road) also got their own agreements.