08-19-2026 Regular City Council Mtg.

The City of Soledad held its regular City Council meeting on August 19, 2026, which included discussions on multiple procurement and budget-related matters. The council retroactively approved the purchase of military equipment for the police department, including a drone costing $1,459 and two less lethal launchers with ammunition totaling $8,100. The council also adopted the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget, which totals approximately $56 million across all funds, including $20 million allocated for capital improvement projects. The budget presentation highlighted challenges such as increased costs, staffing reductions, and the need for infrastructure maintenance, while emphasizing grant acquisitions totaling nearly $5 million. Additionally, the council approved a contract with Cervantes Landscape Services, Inc. for $378,500 plus contingency for the Front Street landscape improvement project, awarded through a competitive bidding process with seven bids received. The meeting also covered the cancellation of certain uncontested elections to save costs and the acceptance of the city’s audited financial statements for fiscal year 2025, which showed a balanced budget with a small surplus. Discussions included staffing impacts, grant management improvements, and plans for future capital projects and community engagement. No new tax increases were proposed, but the council noted the importance of maintaining public safety and community services amid budget constraints.