Watsonville Development News
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Development News from the latest meeting
Watsonville City Council Approves $311 Million Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
The City Council reviewed and approved the recommended budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, totaling $311,429,389 across all funds. Key approvals included resolutions for the budget adoption, establishing appropriation limits, levying property taxes, successor agency spending, various fee adjustments, and the purchase of a new fire engine. Council also approved an ordinance increasing compensation for council members and the mayor. The budget reflects a balanced general fund without using fund balances for operating expenses, supported by increased sales and property tax revenues. Discussions also covered the status of Measure Q funds, potential impacts of proposed sales tax increases on vehicle purchases, and economic development initiatives.
Watsonville Approves Transportation Project Lists Funded by Measure D and SB1
The City Council approved project lists for transportation projects funded by Measure D and SB1 for fiscal year 2026-2027. Measure D, a half-cent sales tax, provides an estimated $1,251,000 annually to the city, requiring a five-year expenditure plan. SB1 provides additional funds for road maintenance, with Watsonville's projected annual share at $1,453,684, requiring an annual spending list. Funds from both sources are rolled over if unexpended and can only be used for transportation projects. The approved lists include projects in various stages of development, such as the Safe Streets for All grant-funded Active Transportation Plan, Pennsylvania Drive Trail Repair, Safe Routes to Downtown Watsonville project, Pennsylvania Drive Reconstruction Project, Freedom Boulevard Reconstruction and Sidewalks Project, and Pavement Management Plan Year 1. The city also plans to use SB1 funds for road projects and Measure D for bicycle and pedestrian improvements, trail maintenance, and traffic safety projects. Some projects leverage grant funding for design and permitting, and others use Measure D/SB1 funds as local match for larger grants.
Watsonville Adopts 2025 Urban Water Management and Contingency Plans
The City Council approved the adoption of the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) and the 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP). The UWMP demonstrates the city's reliable water supply, production, delivery, and conservation efforts, ensuring eligibility for state grant funding. The WSCP outlines staged responses to water shortages, including restrictions on irrigation and pool filling, as implemented in Stage Level 2 in 2021/2022. The city services approximately 65,000 customers, produces 5.5-6.5 million gallons of water daily, with a system capacity of up to 20 million gallons daily. Water quality meets state and federal requirements, though the city is addressing hexavalent chromium and PFAS issues. The city also provides recycled water for agriculture and has agreements with the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency for potential additional water delivery.
Watsonville City Council Introduces Ordinance to Establish 'No Encampment Zones' in Sensitive Areas
The City Council introduced an ordinance to modify the existing camping ordinance to establish 'no encampment zones' in environmentally sensitive areas, critical infrastructure locations, and historical/cultural landmarks. These zones, marked with signage, would allow for immediate cleanup without the standard 72-hour notice, thereby protecting public health, safety, the environment, and city infrastructure. Areas outside these zones would follow existing procedures. The ordinance also updates procedures for enforcement, property collection, and storage, aligning with state guidance and recent court decisions. Council discussions revealed split opinions, with some members supporting the ordinance for its focus on environmental protection and public safety, while others expressed concerns about due process, the lack of adequate shelter services, and potential displacement of individuals. The ordinance supports public health, safety, environmental protection, and access to public spaces.
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The Watsonville News archive
Pajaro Valley Unified School District - Board of Education - 06/24/26
Pajaro Valley Unified School District - Sustainable Schools Advisory Board - 06/23/2026
Pajaro Valley Unified School District - Sustainable Schools Advisory Board - 06/23/2026
Pajaro Valley Unified School District - Board of Education - 06/17/2026
Planning Commission
Fire in the Sky - 2026
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