Special City Council - 7/30/26

The Special City Council meeting of MyGlendale on July 30, 2026, focused primarily on discussions regarding a proposed one-quarter percent sales tax measure to be placed on the November 3, 2026 ballot. The council reviewed the city's five-year budget forecast, which projects a cumulative deficit of approximately $60 million, and discussed declaring a fiscal emergency to enable the tax measure's placement on a special election ballot. The council debated the timing and likelihood of voter approval, with concerns about the current high sales tax rate and public opposition. They also considered proposed charter amendments related to civil service fund accounting, city clerk and treasurer term limits, and compensation, with some members suggesting separating these items for clearer consideration. A key procurement-related action item was the unanimous vote requirement to declare a fiscal emergency under Proposition 218 to proceed with the sales tax measure. The council agreed to exclude police and fire chiefs from certain civil service changes to gain broader support. The meeting concluded with plans to bring back the fiscal emergency declaration and sales tax measure for a vote in a special meeting the following week.