City of Hollister City Council Meeting

Regular City Council meeting of the City of Hollister, California, held October 5, 2026 (the metadata date is October 6 UTC). The main procurement discussion concerned a proposed competitive process to identify a concessionaire for the city’s water and wastewater utilities under a potential 30-year arrangement. The city manager sought direction to begin with an RFQ, but emphasized that no partner would be selected without further review and council approval. The concept would retain public ownership, water rights, rate-setting authority, and policy control while transferring utility operations and related responsibilities. Preliminary scenarios ranged from approximately $105 million to $190 million; the $190 million transformation scenario included proposed amounts for debt coverage ($20 million), reserves ($35 million), financing costs ($15 million), and a general-fund infusion ($30 million). These were planning estimates, not completed valuations or offers. Council members did not authorize the procurement process at this meeting and called for further study, including financial and infrastructure analysis, ratepayer impacts, alternatives, and effects on employees. Public commenters raised concerns about outsourcing, long-term costs, utility rates, and workforce impacts.

The council approved an ordinance repealing and replacing Chapter 17.32 on accessory dwelling units to align with state law, waived the first reading, and discussed returning with possible pre-approved plans and other ADU program details. Public comment also focused on proposed uses of the Helen Ross animal fund, including possible personnel costs, but no related spending decision was made. A proclamation recognizing National Health Week was presented. No utility-concession procurement vote or award occurred.