Meeting Summary
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Cayegos Municipal Water District Rates
- Staff presented an informational update on water sources, infrastructure needs, and proposed 2027 rate increases.
- The Council received and filed the report without taking a formal vote or motion.
Oxnard Lowrider Appreciation Day Proclamation
- The Council issued a proclamation declaring May 21 as Oxnard Lowrider Appreciation Day.
- A Ventura County Lowrider Icon Award was presented to Butch Hernandez during the session.
2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan
- Staff presented plans projecting supply exceeding demand contingent on the Advanced Water Purification Facility.
- The public hearing was closed, though the final adoption vote was not recorded in the transcript.
Water Conservation and Advanced Water Purification
- Discussion covered conservation rebates, non-native water costs, and the implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure.
- The Council approved the staff recommendations regarding these water conservation efforts.
Waterways Maintenance District Assessments (Fiscal Year 2026-27)
- A public hearing addressed proposed assessments for landscape maintenance and vector control in Zones 1 and 2.
- The Council approved the resolution to levy assessments and accepted a donation from the Harbor Island Homeowners Association.
Landscape Maintenance Districts Assessments (Fiscal Year 2026-27)
- Staff clarified that the assessment process followed Proposition 218 guidelines despite public concerns about homeowner votes.
- The Council adopted the resolution confirming diagrams and assessments for the city's Landscape Maintenance Districts.
Public Safety Property Tax Assessment (Fiscal Year 2026-27)
- The Council discussed a resolution to establish tax rates for public safety personnel pensions, including a new cash flow line item.
- Despite opposition regarding legal interpretations of Proposition 13, the resolution to adopt the tax was approved.
Oxnard Downtown Management District Fees (Fiscal Year 2026-27)
- The Council considered a resolution to authorize fee collection within the Downtown Management District for the upcoming fiscal year.
- The resolution was adopted following a motion and second.
Housing Authority Budgets (Fiscal Year 2026-27)
- Staff presented operating budgets for Low Rent Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs, including deficit funding.
- The Council approved the recommended budgets and the use of unrestricted cash to address projected shortfalls.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Special Tax Levy for Community Facility Districts
- Public Works recommended tax rates for nine districts, including a 10% increase for Westport at Mandalay Bay to address deferred maintenance.
- The Council approved the billing agreement and tax rates for all nine Community Facility Districts.
Adoption of Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget
- The Finance Department presented the operating and capital improvement budget, including staffing and fee schedules.
- The Council passed separate motions to approve the appropriation limit and the remaining budget items.
Measure O Renewal Ballot Placement
- Staff recommended placing a resolution on the November 3, 2026, ballot to renew the half-cent transactions and use tax.
- The Council rejected an amendment for neutral language and approved the original recommendation to place the measure on the ballot.
Ballot Question on Treasurer and CFO Positions
- Discussion focused on the wording of a ballot question regarding the combination of the City Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer roles.
- The Council voted to place the measure before the voters.
Closed Session
- The Council recessed to confer with attorneys regarding the Brodersen v. City of Oxnard litigation.
- The City Attorney reported that no actions were taken during the closed session.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Closed Session
- The Oxnard City Council meeting was called to order on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The Clerk confirmed the agenda was posted on June 4 and amended on June 10. The Council recessed to a closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9, subdivision D1, to confer with attorneys regarding Brodersen v. City of Oxnard. Upon reconvening, the City Attorney reported that no actions were taken during the closed session.
Appointment Item: Cayegos Municipal Water District Rates
- The Council received an informational update regarding Cayegos Municipal Water District rates. Presentations were provided by Michael Wolf, Director of Public Works; Christine McCaffrey, General Manager of Cayegos; and Dan Smith, Manager of Finance. The discussion covered water sources, including the State Water Project, local groundwater, and United Water Conservation District sources. Rate drivers identified included aging infrastructure, resilience investments, and declining water demand affecting fixed cost allocation. Metropolitan Water District adopted a 6.2% overall increase for 2027–2028, featuring a 7% decrease in treated water variable rates but significant increases in fixed charges. Cayegos proposed a 2.9% variable rate increase for 2027, with projected fixed charge increases of 22% for "readiness to serve" and 39% for "capacity" for Oxnard, resulting in an estimated overall all-in rate increase of 5.6%. Infrastructure topics included pipeline conditions, inspection technology, and studies on brackish groundwater desalination. Staff confirmed sufficient storage exists to supply water for a minimum of three months during a service interruption, though conservation would likely be required. A public hearing on the 2027 rates is scheduled for July 1. Action: The Council received and filed the update. No motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Joint Meeting: Oxnard City Council and Oxnard Housing Authority
- The meeting included a joint session with the Oxnard Housing Authority. The Clerk announced compensation for Housing Board Commissioners, noting one commissioner declined payment.
Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence
- A student led the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was observed for Ms. Peggy Rivera, Ms. Lupe Anguiano, and Mr. Robert Hearn. Council members offered brief remarks regarding the community service and advocacy of the deceased.
Student Recognition
- Haley Villalobos Arias, a recent graduate of Frontier High School, addressed the Council regarding her experiences with bullying, academic struggles, and success through mentorship. The Council presented her with a certificate of achievement.
Proclamation: Oxnard Lowrider Appreciation Day
- The Council issued a proclamation declaring May 21 as Oxnard Lowrider Appreciation Day, recognizing the community's cultural significance and contributions. Representatives from the Lowrider community addressed the Council regarding service efforts. A Ventura County Lowrider Icon Award was presented to Butch Hernandez. Action: The proclamation was read and presented. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
Public Comments (Items Not on Agenda)
- Public comment was received on various non-agenda items, including updates on upcoming events at Heritage Square and downtown Oxnard, the 35th-anniversary Juneteenth celebration, funding requests for the Carnegie Museum, enforcement of fireworks ordinances, and allegations regarding communication restrictions by the City Attorney's Office. Technical difficulties were encountered with virtual speakers. Action: Public comments were heard. No motions were made or votes taken.
City Manager's Report
- The City Manager reported no items for this agenda item.
Council Members' Reports
- Council members provided updates on recent activities, including meetings with neighborhood councils, attendance at community events, and reports on specific issues such as graffiti abatement, transit routes, and constituent concerns regarding catalytic converter thefts.
Information and Consent Agenda
- The Council reviewed the Information and Consent Agenda. Item L2 (Approval of Oxnard City Council Minutes) was removed to be rescheduled for the June 30 meeting. The Mayor Pro Tem recused himself from Item L5 (Agreement with Oxford School District). A motion was made to approve the consent agenda items with the exception of Items L5, L7, and L8, and to take separate votes on those items. The motion was seconded. Outcome: The motion to approve the consent agenda (excluding Items L5, L7, and L8) passed. Outcome: A separate motion to approve Item L5 passed. Outcome: A separate motion to approve Items L7 and L8 passed.
Public Hearing on 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan
- A public hearing was held regarding the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) and Water Shortage Contingency Plan. Staff and a consultant presented the plans, noting Oxnard's per capita water use was 97 gallons per capita per day in 2025, below the state target. The plan projects supply will exceed demand under normal and drought conditions, contingent on the Advanced Water Purification Facility. The Water Shortage Contingency Plan outlines four stages of response. Discussion addressed the accuracy of projections, groundwater adjudication, and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. One public speaker thanked staff. Action: The public hearing was closed. The transcript does not include the final vote or adoption of the resolution for this item.
Water Conservation and Advanced Water Purification
- The Council discussed water conservation efforts, including the cost of non-native water sources, rebates for water-efficient appliances, and the implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems. The "Ion Water" app was highlighted as a tool for monitoring usage. Action: A motion was made to approve the recommendations on this item and was seconded. The motion passed.
Waterways Maintenance District Assessments (Fiscal Year 2026-27)
- A public hearing was held regarding proposed assessments for the Waterways Maintenance District for fiscal year 2026-27, covering Zones 1 (Mandalay Bay) and 2 (Harbor Island). The hearing addressed assessments for landscape maintenance, vector control, and a $10,000 donation from the Harbor Island Homeowners Association. Public testimony supported the assessments. One Council member stated an intention to vote against the recommendation due to the lack of a general election vote by registered voters. Action: A motion was made to approve the recommended actions, including holding the hearing, adopting the resolution to levy assessments, and accepting the donation. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMD) Assessments (Fiscal Year 2026-27)
- A public hearing was held regarding proposed fiscal year 2026-27 assessments for the city's Landscape Maintenance Districts. Public speakers raised concerns regarding the lack of homeowner votes, assessment increases, and administrative overhead. Staff clarified that the establishment process followed Proposition 218 guidelines and addressed allegations regarding equipment purchases. One Council member recused themselves from the vote regarding a specific district. Another Council member stated an intention to vote against the recommendation due to the lack of a general election vote. Action: A motion was made to approve the recommended actions, including holding the hearing and adopting the resolution confirming diagrams and assessments. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Motion to Continue Meeting Past 10:00 PM
- A motion was made to continue the meeting past 10:00 PM. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Public Safety Property Tax Assessment (Fiscal Year 2026-27)
- The Council discussed a resolution establishing fiscal year 2026-27 tax rates on properties to pay for voter-approved obligations related to public safety personnel pensions. Discussion included a new line item for cash flow and projected revenue. One Council member expressed opposition based on legal interpretations of Proposition 13 and the 1951 ballot measure language. Other Council members supported the tax, emphasizing the commitment to public safety personnel. Action: A motion was made to adopt the resolution. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Oxnard Downtown Management District Fees (Fiscal Year 2026-27)
- The Council considered a resolution authorizing the assessment and collection of fees within the Oxnard Downtown Management District for fiscal year 2026-27. One Council member noted the assessment was previously approved by a significant margin of property owners. Action: A motion was made to adopt the resolution. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Housing Authority Budgets (Fiscal Year 2026-27)
- The Council reviewed recommended operating budgets for the Oxnard Housing Authority's Low Rent Public Housing Program and Housing Choice Voucher Program for fiscal year 2026-27. The proposal included authorizing the use of unrestricted cash to fund projected deficits attributed to central cost programs and potential decreases in federal funding. Discussion focused on the sustainability of deficits and the timeline for property conversions. Action: A motion was made to approve the recommended budgets and the use of unrestricted cash. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Special Tax Levy for Community Facility Districts (CFDs)
- The Public Works Department presented a recommendation to adopt resolutions setting special tax rates for nine Community Facility Districts (CFDs) for fiscal year 2026-27 and to authorize an agreement with the Ventura County Auditor-Controller for billing. Discussion included a request for separate votes for Item 5 (River Park CFD) and Item 9 (billing agreement authorization). Staff explained tax rate determination processes and a proposed 10% tax increase for CFD 2 (Westport at Mandalay Bay) to address deferred maintenance. Action: A motion was made to approve Items 5 and 9 separately. The motion was seconded. The motion passed. Action: A subsequent motion was made to approve the remaining recommended actions (Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8). The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Adoption of Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget
- The Finance Department presented a recommendation to adopt the city's operating and capital improvement budget for fiscal year 2026-27, including resolutions for FTE positions, salary schedules, financial management policies, an appropriation limit, and a master fee schedule. Public comment questioned expenditure-revenue discrepancies and staffing roles. Council discussion focused on the budgeting process, with one Council member expressing discomfort with the "illusion of choice" and requesting a reverse priority listing for potential cuts. Other Council members defended the process as industry standard. A motion was made to separate the vote on Item E (appropriation limit) from the rest of the budget items. The motion to separate was seconded. Outcome: The vote on Item E (appropriation limit) passed. Outcome: The vote on the remaining budget items (A, B, C, D, and the master fee schedule) passed.
Report on Measure O and Consideration of Placing Renewal on the November 3, 2026 Ballot
- The City Manager's Department presented a report on Measure O and a recommendation to place a resolution on the November 3, 2026, ballot to consider the renewal of the half-cent transactions and use tax. Public comment expressed a range of views on placing the measure on the ballot. Council discussion centered on the proposed ballot language. One Council member proposed an amendment to use neutral language ("City of Oxnard sales tax extension") rather than the staff's proposed language ("No Tax Rate Increase"). The motion to amend was not seconded and was not adopted. Action: The Council proceeded to vote on the original recommendation to place the Measure O renewal on the November 3, 2026, ballot. The motion passed.
Discussion on Ballot Question Language and Measure Adoption
- Discussion focused on the wording of a proposed ballot question regarding the combination of the City Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer positions. The City Clerk and City Manager discussed the potential for argumentative language in ballot measures. Council Member McArthur called for a vote. Action: A motion was made to place the measure before the voters. The motion received a second. The motion passed.
Adjournment
- With no further business on the agenda, the meeting was adjourned.