City Council Meeting 6/17/26

The City Council meeting of Ridgecrest on June 17, 2026, included a detailed presentation of the city's fiscal year 2025 audit results by the Poon Group auditors, highlighting a healthy financial position with increased assets and net position, and an unmodified audit opinion despite one prior period adjustment. The council discussed the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget, including an increase in the city attorney's budget and questions about transparency regarding contracts with vendors such as Flock and Placer AI. Public comments focused heavily on concerns about the proposed data center project, including environmental, health, and security risks, as well as the city's approach to intervenor status with the California Energy Commission. The council approved resolutions related to drainage and landscaping benefit assessment districts, maintaining current levy rates with planned increases. The city manager provided updates on community events, infrastructure projects, and expressed condolences related to local layoffs. The meeting also addressed community concerns about road safety and election term limits. No new contracts or procurement awards were reported, but budget discussions and contract transparency issues were prominent.