Monterey · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monterey public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Encroachment permit fee reductions
A local plumber told the council that new fees taking effect July 1 would raise his typical permit costs from under $700 to about $2,600 — a jump he called price gouging that will be passed to homeowners.
Citywide Fee Schedule and Appeal Costs
The city adopted its first comprehensive fee update since 2013 — roughly a 6% increase generating about $650,000–$1 million. The council balked at a $4,180 fee to appeal planning decisions to the council, settling on $3,500, and directed staff to write an ordinance allowing the subsidy; low-income waivers need more legal research.
City Staffing Vacancies and Labor Concerns
The city has 65.5 vacant positions of 476 budgeted, with the management group above 20% vacancy. Labor groups warned that frozen non-general-fund positions, contracting out, and burnout are hurting services — and the mayor tied it to the tough budget choices ahead, including the Measure D vote.