Measure I Sales Tax Swallowed by Deficits as Pinole Hires Interim City Manager

The Pinole City Council tackled a packed agenda Feb. 17 that laid bare the city's fiscal reality: the $2.6 million in Measure I sales tax revenue residents expected would improve roads and services has been entirely consumed by pre-existing operating deficits and rising costs. Meanwhile, the council unanimously hired a retired city manager to stabilize leadership during an ongoing nationwide search for a permanent executive.

• Measure I's $2.6M in sales tax revenue filled operating gaps — not new road repairs or enhanced services — disappointing resident expectations
• Retired Pittsburgh (Calif.) City Manager Garrett Evans hired as interim at $131.22/hour, starting March 9
• Nationwide city manager search targets June hire, with community forums set for March 14
• Recreation fee increases lift cost recovery from 33% to 38%, generating an estimated $55,000 annually
• Former mayor and resident blast elected-mayor ballot measure as unnecessary and costly
• Pinole Library closes March 1 for a year-long renovation; farewell event Feb. 28

The basics: Pinole voters approved Measure I, a general sales tax, with the expectation it would fund road repairs and expanded city services. The mid-year budget review showed the revenue landed in a very different place.