Measure I Sales Tax Swallowed by Deficits as Pinole Hires Interim City Manager
City Council • PinoleFebruary 17, 2026
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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.
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