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Norco City Council Meeting - June 17, 2026
Published: Jun 17, 2026
Norco Appoints Commissioners, Emphasizing Preservation of Rural Lifestyle
During the council meeting, several candidates presented their applications for various commission appointments. For the Parks and Recreation Commission, Charlotte Babbs highlighted her experience as a full-time mom and her desire to enhance parks, programs, and events for children to foster community engagement. For the Measure R Oversight Committee, Veronica Eshelby was randomly selected. For the Streets, Trails, and Utilities Commission, incumbent Jim Pollard was reappointed for another four years. For the Planning Commission, incumbents Catherine Fiore and Jeff Hsu were reappointed. Rudy Gatto was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Candidates like Aaron Williams, Alicia Campbell, James Roe, Christie Stell, Kai McLeod, and Rudy Gatto emphasized their commitment to preserving Norco's rural and equestrian lifestyle, animal-keeping character, and community values. Some candidates, like James Roe and Kai McLeod, brought extensive professional experience in utilities, construction, and infrastructure planning, highlighting their ability to contribute to the city's development and maintenance. Mike Williams, chair of the Streets, Trails, and Utilities Commission, spoke in support of Rudy Gatto and Jim Pollard, and urged the council to make the Measure R appointments themselves rather than relying on a lottery, citing integrity and effective decision-making.
Norco Approves Riverside County Sheriff's Contract Rate Amidst Rate Increases
The City Council discussed and approved the Riverside County Sheriff's contract rate for law enforcement services. Emily Long from RSO's Administrative Services Manager presented the model, benefits, and projected rates. The contract model is governed by Government Code 51350, requiring actual costs to be charged. The rate is based on patrol station operations and includes sworn and classified support personnel, with actual costs from the current and previous fiscal years. Key components of the rate include salaries and benefits (approx. 88%), county ISFs (9.4%), controlled supplies and services (2.5%), and PSEC radio charges (1%). Union negotiations, particularly RSA and LEMU, are significant drivers of rate increases. The fully supported patrol hour rate for the current fiscal year is $249.86, an 8.85% increase from the previous year, attributed to COLAs and increased medical contributions. Future projections estimate a 6.75% to 7.25% increase for '26-'27 due to salary and benefit increases and rising insurance costs. The current contract term is from 2024 to 2029. Council members expressed appreciation for the deputies and the services provided.
Norco City Council Adopts FY 2026-2027 Budget Amidst Financial Challenges
The City Council reviewed and adopted the proposed operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The budget includes projected revenues of $31.6 million and expenditures of $33.3 million for the general fund, resulting in a projected deficit of $1.7 million. This deficit is planned to be funded through reserves and a one-time transfer from the equipment replacement fund, leading to an estimated ending fund balance of $35.6 million. Key adjustments were made to reduce the deficit, including the removal of four vacant positions and funding for an IT technician, alongside reductions in contractual services. The budget allocates the majority of general fund revenues to public safety (47%). Measure R funds will largely support capital improvement projects, with street improvements accounting for 63%. Utility funds (water and sewer) show projected revenues and expenses with estimated changes in working capital. The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for fiscal years 2027-2031 proposes $72 million in projects, primarily for storm drain and street improvements. Several challenges were noted, including inflation, aging infrastructure, and limited new development, with long-term solutions focusing on attracting revenue generators and controlling spending. Council Member Newton voted no on the operating budget adoption.
Sewer Line Root Intrusion and Trail Maintenance Issues Raised During Public Comments
During the public comments section, Philip West addressed a long-standing sewer issue stemming from roots intruding into his private lateral lines from a city tree. He cited a 1982 city ordinance (14.07.410, paragraph D) stating the city's responsibility to remove roots or repair private laterals if caused by city trees. West presented evidence of root intrusion and two bids ($46,000-$49,000) to replace the line, which is located on the city's side. He requested the city take responsibility for the repair, as the line has been in the ground since 1972. Bonnie Sleigher presented the Norco Horseman's Association's list of the 10 most needed trail improvements, highlighting specific areas like Sixth Street near Crestview and Pikes Peak Park, and the south side of the community center. She also mentioned two items on a watch list for potential future work. Dr. Sigrid Williams raised concerns about a $100,000 budget line item for a trail associated with the Corona-Norco Unified School District, questioning the city's responsibility for it and suggesting the district should be accountable.
Norco Adopts Technology Disruption Policy for Meetings Under SB 707
The City Council discussed and adopted Resolution 2026-55, establishing a technology disruption policy to comply with SB 707 requirements for telecommunication and remote access for meetings. The policy mandates a one-hour recess following a service disruption, with staff attempting to troubleshoot the issue. If service is not restored after an hour, the council can vote to continue the meeting if it serves the public interest or adjourn. The city will need to subscribe to Zoom webinars at approximately $960 annually. This new policy will require IT readiness, staff training, and consistent procedures. Public comments will now be facilitated through remote access platforms, potentially increasing meeting times for larger cities. The policy's applicability to commissions was clarified; it is not mandatory for commissions unless the council opts to require two-way audio-visual technology for them.
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The Norco News archive
CNUSD Board of Education Business Meeting - June 23, 2026
City Council - Jun 17 2026
City of Norco - City Council Meeting - June 17, 2026
Norco Planning Commission Meeting - June 10, 2026
City of Norco - Planning Commission Meeting - June 10, 2026
Planning Commission - Jun 10 2026
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