Antioch Confronts $16M Budget Deficit as Council Hires City Attorney, Fills Oversight Vacancies

The Antioch City Council faced a sobering financial picture at its Feb. 10 meeting, learning the city is spending $16.6 million more than it collects in revenue and drawing down reserves to stay afloat. Against that backdrop, the council moved to stabilize key institutions — hiring a permanent city attorney, restoring quorum on the police oversight commission, and adopting a six-month priority framework — even as residents pleaded for warming centers and warned that unlicensed street vendors are eroding the tax base the city desperately needs.

• Mid-year budget reveals $13–16M structural deficit; sales tax declining, 72 city positions vacant, and budget study sessions set for March

• Lori Asuncion hired as permanent city attorney at $288,000 salary ($513,028 total compensation), ending months of interim legal counsel during DOJ oversight

• Two appointed to the police oversight commission, restoring quorum; a third nominee deferred after councilmembers insisted on hearing from candidates in person

• BART station closure looms if Prop 63 fails in November; Antioch's renovated train station could lose service by mid-2027

• Residents demand warming center as parking enforcement displaces vehicle dwellers in winter with no shelter alternative

• $4M in Caltrans funding approved for trash capture devices to begin addressing stormwater non-compliance

The Budget: $16M in Red Ink

The basics: Finance Director Merchant presented Antioch's mid-year general fund update through Dec. 31, 2025: $94.3 million in projected revenues against $110.9 million in expenditures, a gap the city is filling with $5 million from the budget stabilization fund and $11.6 million in appropriated fund balance.

Why it matters: The structural deficit means Antioch is burning through reserves to keep the lights on. Without new revenue or significant cuts, the city faces hard choices on services, staffing and fees in the months ahead.

Where things stand: The ending fund balance is projected at $38.2 million — roughly $4.2 million better than the September estimate, thanks to a higher beginning balance. But the warning signs are flashing. Regular sales tax has been revised down $1.1 million. PG&E franchise payments are uncertain after a $1 million shortfall last year. Police overtime is already at 55.2% of its annual budget — well above the expected 46.15% pace — driven by staffing shortfalls. The city carries 72 vacancies citywide, 47 of them in the general fund. Eleven police officers are currently in the academy, but attrition is matching new hiring.

"Fiscal recovery isn't just about numbers. It's about trust, transparency, and stewardship," said Finance Director Merchant. "The deficit is real and we can manage it if we are disciplined."

Mayor Pro Tem Donald Freitas pressed for plain talk: "So today, roughly, we have $16 million deficit that we're facing," he said, establishing the $13–16 million range for the public record.

Councilmember Monica Wilson asked whether the city should re-evaluate its investment portfolio given current interest rate conditions. Staff noted investments are locked at favorable rates for two to three years. Councilmember Tamisha Torres-Walker emphasized that economic development and growth — not just cuts — must be part of the council's response.

What's next: Budget study sessions begin in March. A cost allocation and fee study is expected to produce a master fee schedule by May.

New City Attorney Brings Stability During DOJ Oversight

The council unanimously approved hiring Lori Asuncion as Antioch's permanent city attorney, ending a period of interim legal counsel at a critical juncture for the city.

Why it matters: With DOJ oversight of the police department ongoing, active litigation, and major ordinance updates ahead, a permanent city attorney provides the legal stability Antioch has lacked.

Where things stand: Outgoing City Attorney Cole described Asuncion as having large-city experience and a strong reputation through Cal Cities. Per the requirements of SB 707, Cole reported total compensation on the record: $288,000 annual salary ($24,000 per month) plus $225,028 in benefits, for a total package of $513,028.

Decisions: Approved 5-0 with no public comment. (For: Rocha, Torres-Walker, Freitas, Wilson; motion by Freitas, second by Wilson.)

Police Oversight Commission Restored to Quorum

Mayor Ron Bernal nominated three candidates for the Antioch Police Oversight Commission, which had been down to just three members — too few for a reliable quorum during a period of DOJ-mandated police reform.

Why it matters: The commission is the primary civilian oversight body for a police department under federal scrutiny. Without quorum, it cannot meet or exercise its mandate.

Where things stand: Two of three nominees were appointed. Portia Taylor, the current commission chair and an original commissioner, was reappointed to a full term. She spoke about the importance of stability and continuity. Josiah Benoni Graham, a young former city intern who resigned his city position to be eligible, spoke about growing up in foster care in Antioch and wanting to represent youth voices. Councilmember Louie Rocha praised Graham: "I'm impressed with you stepping up to take on the responsibility of representing youth in our community and foreseeing both the positive and the negative, and being optimistic that there can be a positive future."

APOC Vice Chair Devin spoke during public comment in support of both appointees, saying the commission is doing groundbreaking work and needs more youth voices.

The other side: A third nominee, Addison Peterson, was absent. Councilmember Torres-Walker and Councilmember Rocha insisted on hearing from candidates in person before voting, and Peterson's appointment was deferred to the next meeting.

During general public comment earlier in the evening, a public commenter named Melissa delivered a pointed critique of APD culture, arguing that "culture, not contracts, is what determines whether DOJ reform is successful or if it fails." She criticized the police union's video campaign seeking raises while officers remained silent during the department's text message scandal.

Decisions: Approved 4-0 (Wilson absent, having not yet arrived). Taylor appointed to a full term; Graham to a partial term.

Homelessness: Residents Plead for Warming Center

Multiple public commenters brought urgent homelessness concerns directly to the council dais.

Why it matters: With the Nick Rodriguez Center closed for renovations and no warming center operational, enforcement actions risk pushing vulnerable people into more dangerous conditions during winter.

Where things stand: A public commenter named Crystal described parking enforcement on Sycamore displacing vehicle dwellers who have nowhere to go. She reported feeding at least 15 people daily at her deli and called urgently for a warming center, questioning why enforcement was happening in freezing weather without alternatives.

A lifelong Antioch resident named Leonardo described encampments near railroad tracks and drug use near residential areas, expressing frustration with the city's deterioration.

On the council's 90-day request list, Councilmember Torres-Walker noted that housing positions were recently filled and housing think tank meetings are ongoing. Councilmember Rocha reported that Don Freas, who operates Base Camp — a volunteer-run homeless services site at the fairgrounds — had secured donated rock for the site but needs more support.

Train Station Gets Facelift, but BART Closure Threatens

A Balancing Act: Improvements vs. Existential Threats

City Manager Scott and the public works deputy director presented improvements to the Antioch-Pittsburg Gold Runner station: new ADA pathways, lighting, landscaping, fencing and shelters, totaling $370,000 with $250,000 spent to date. The San Joaquin Rail Authority praised it as the best station revitalization they've seen.

Why it matters: The station area serves populations below the poverty line. Losing BART and Amtrak stops would cut job access for thousands of transit-dependent residents.

Where things stand: BART is studying closure of its 10 lowest-performing stations (Phase 1) and could close the Antioch and Pittsburg-Bay Point stations in Phase 2 (June 2027) if Prop 63, a half-cent sales tax measure, doesn't pass in November. Antioch ranks 36th of 50 BART stations with 1,810 average weekday exits.

Councilmember Torres-Walker urged the city to level with residents: "I think it would also be valuable to start having conversations with the community now about the real potential that the stop will be dropped, but they will keep fighting for that not to happen."

Mayor Bernal warned during his report later in the meeting that sales tax fatigue could undermine Prop 63's chances: "We're at nine and three quarter percent and if there's a half cent for 63, if there's 0.625%, we're up over 11% sales tax and I think folks are pretty taxed out right now."

Public commenter Mr. Becker criticized the lack of substantive Amtrak updates and questioned why community stakeholders were excluded from planning conversations, pointing to contradictions between the downtown specific plan and the Tri Delta Transit plan regarding the mobility hub location.

Stormwater Non-Compliance: $4M Fix Gets Antioch Halfway There

Director Bunting presented a $4 million Caltrans-funded project to install two large full trash capture devices at Cavallo Road/13th Street and Wilbur Avenue/Almond Street, covering 549 acres.

Why it matters: Antioch sent a non-compliance letter to the state on Dec. 27, 2025, acknowledging it cannot meet the 100% trash control deadline. The city is currently at 0% compliance. After installation, it will reach approximately 50%.

Mayor Pro Tem Freitas raised a critical fiscal point: "This NPDES fee has not been changed, has not been reviewed or upgraded for like 20, 25 years." He also learned that the city's jurisdiction shifted from the Central Valley to the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board under MRP 3.0 in 2024.

Mayor Bernal asked the question on everyone's mind: "Do we have a cost estimate of what it will cost to become 100% compliant?" Staff indicated that full compliance could cost millions more. Annual maintenance on the new devices is approximately $10,000 starting in FY 2029-30.

Decisions: Approved 5-0. The project is fully funded by Caltrans at no local cost.

Smoke-Free Housing: Youth Advocates Make Their Case

Amrine Akhther from Contra Costa Health's Tobacco Prevention Program, along with youth advocates from Deer Valley and Antioch high schools, presented survey data from 130 Antioch residents showing 77% support a smoke-free multi-unit housing policy — including support among tobacco users. The American Lung Association gives Antioch an F grade for smoke-free protections, while nearby cities like El Cerrito, Walnut Creek and Richmond have A grades.

Councilmember Torres-Walker raised a concern others had not: enforcement through lease violations could lead to evictions. "The only way we can keep people housed, keep people from becoming unhoused, is to keep people in their homes," she said, adding she wanted to learn how Richmond mitigated that risk.

Mayor Pro Tem Freitas and Councilmember Rocha suggested folding the policy into the general plan update process. No action was requested; the item was informational.

Street Vendors: Tax-Free Competition Draws Fire

Restaurant owner Satnam, who operates a Little Caesars, told the council during general public comment that unlicensed street vendors are competing with permitted businesses without paying taxes, holding health permits or carrying insurance.

Later in the evening, a public commenter named Jim, an insurance professional, reported that one vendor told him his $70,000-per-year parking lot food business was "the best tax-free income you could have." Mayor Pro Tem Freitas raised the issue again at the end of the meeting, noting vendors blocking sidewalks on L Street and at the Antioch Market on 18th Street.

Councilmember Torres-Walker offered a counterpoint, noting that some vendors operate on private property and urging the council to understand jurisdictional limits, especially on state fairground property.

With the city facing a $16 million budget deficit, lost sales tax revenue from unlicensed commerce is not just a small-business fairness issue — it is a fiscal one.

Council Adopts Six-Month Priority Framework

The council voted 5-0 to adopt a resolution codifying three priority areas developed with consultant TM Consulting: economic development, public safety/DOJ compliance, and housing.

Mayor Pro Tem Freitas pushed for measurable success indicators, noting the document read more like a framework than an actionable plan. Councilmember Wilson agreed, describing it as a framework rather than true priorities. "Since I created the Economic Development Commission in January 2001, does it even exist?" Freitas asked during the related 90-day list discussion, underscoring that institutional follow-through remains a challenge.

Mayor Bernal requested updated dates reflecting the January–June 2026 timeframe, consistent formatting, and an attachment to the resolution. City Manager Scott noted many items are already in progress with presentations scheduled through March. The council directed staff to return with a cleaned-up final document.

Environmental Job Reclassifications Pass Over Employee Objections

New Environmental Resources Specialist and Coordinator classifications were created and assigned to the OE3 bargaining unit — but not before a city employee named Julie, who has performed environmental resources work for 25 years, pulled the item from the consent calendar to object.

Julie argued the job specifications were written without her input, contained inaccurate descriptions of solid waste duties, included unnecessarily specific tasks like shred events, and that the coordinator position overseeing just two specialists could not realistically manage the combined stormwater and solid waste workload. She also objected that the coordinator's 40 hours of administrative leave was less than her current 60 hours of comp time.

Decisions: Approved 3-0 with Wilson and Torres-Walker abstaining.

Minor Items

• Planning Commission reappointments: William Spiker and Ramesh Suman reappointed to four-year terms ahead of the city's first general plan update in 20-plus years; a third nominee, Don Aguilar, deferred. (4-0, Wilson absent.)

• Surveillance camera upgrade: $184,000 Verkada cloud-based system approved, replacing 51 cameras and adding coverage at three new intersections; integrates with Axon evidence platform, creating a pathway to a real-time crime center. (5-0.)

• 2025 California building and fire codes adopted by reference without local amendments. (5-0.)

• Consent calendar approved 5-0, covering items A through E, with items F (environmental classifications) and G (cameras) pulled for separate discussion.

• Closed session: Direction given to staff on real property negotiations at 809 W. First St. (Lynn House Gallery); no reportable action on the Trent Allen v. City litigation.

• 90-day request list: Council reviewed dozens of outstanding items, including a sanctuary city resolution — which Torres-Walker said gained urgency after hundreds of students walked out of school Friday to protest ICE — an economic development commission reconstitution, a joint meeting with the Antioch Unified School District (pending 14 months), and fire/fuel abatement along railways. Multiple items were removed or consolidated.

• Council reports: Torres-Walker reported downtown Antioch sales have doubled due to cross-department collaboration. Mayor Bernal reported on his trip to the U.S. Conference of Mayors and warned about competing sales tax measures on the November ballot.

• Public commenter Velma highlighted MEGA All Star Cheer and Dance winning two national titles in Las Vegas and asked the council to support the team's pursuit of a global award.