Road work and Measure U
Where it standsMeasure U on the November 3 ballot would let the council decide whether public works are done by city crews or contractors, and would drop the charter's $5,000 bidding threshold.
What's on the tableThe next council will decide how much street and other public work city crews do versus contractors, and what purchasing rules apply if Measure U passes.
- The charter generally requires public projects over $5,000 to be competitively bid and awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. Porterville Recorder ↗
- If approved, Measure U would authorize the City to perform improvement, repair, maintenance and construction work with City forces without being required to contract for it. Porterville Recorder ↗
Filling council vacancies (Measure V)
Where it standsThe charter now has the council fill a vacancy by appointment. Measure V would require a special election when a year or more remains in the term.
What's on the tableVoters decide whether future council vacancies with a year or more left in the term go to a special election.
- Under the current charter an appointed council member serves until the next election, and if the council does not fill a vacancy within 30 days the mayor does. Porterville Recorder ↗
- Under Measure V the council would appoint when less than one year remains, and a special election would be held when one year or more remains. Porterville Recorder ↗
- The council appointed Darrin Crowell to the vacant District 3 seat after the resignation of former Councilmember A.J. Rivas. Porterville Recorder ↗
Flock license plate cameras
Where it standsThe city has used Flock Safety plate-reader cameras since 2023 and residents have pressed the council on privacy and data sharing; the council took no action after recent comments.
What's on the tableThe next council will decide whether to keep, expand, limit or replace the Flock camera program.
- In June 2023 the police department asked the council to approve a two-year, $39,900 lease for six automated license plate reader cameras. Porterville Recorder ↗
- In June 2024 staff recommended expanding the network from six cameras to 12 through a new five-year lease totaling $180,000. Porterville Recorder ↗
- A later request sought four more cameras, raising the network from 12 to 16, with the additional $60,000 over five years funded through grants. Porterville Recorder ↗
City Hall reorganization
Where it standsThe council voted 4-1 to merge the Community Development and Engineering divisions into one Planning and Engineering Department.
What's on the tableThe next council will oversee the new department, which is to use consultants for many technical functions such as plan review and inspections.
Refuse service and rates
Where it standsThe council voted 5-0 to accept applications from outside operators for the city's solid waste services, a first step that could end in-house service.
What's on the tableThe next council will decide whether to keep refuse service in-house or franchise it, and what rates residents pay.
- The council voted 5-0 to accept applications from those interested in operating the city's solid waste collection, recycling and organic services. Porterville Recorder ↗
- City staff stated a franchise model could generate $1.5 to $2 million in revenue annually through franchise fees. Porterville Recorder ↗
- There is no requirement for the city to enter into an agreement by accepting applications. Porterville Recorder ↗
Homelessness services
Where it standsThe candidates differ on whether Porterville should build a larger homeless shelter or expand existing services.
What's on the tableThe next council will decide how the city funds and locates homeless services.