El Monte · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in El Monte public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City staffing and compensation update
The council added positions — two police custody officers, a code enforcement officer, and others — at a cost of about $335,800, which pushes next year's projected deficit toward $4 million. Some members flagged the strain on city finances.
Delinquent trash bills placed on county tax roll
Businesses and multifamily properties that don't pay Valley Vista trash bills will see the charges added to their property tax bills, with the city keeping a 10% administrative cut. Some speakers called it profiting from struggling residents.
Finance modernization: Tyler Munis ERP and OpenGov budget software
The city is going paperless with electronic payments, live budget tracking for every department, and payroll/HR and utility billing phases going live in 2026.
Waste and Sewer Assessments on the Tax Roll
Residents in the Klingerman/Bonwood district will pay $595.24 per unit (up 1.7%), Lewis Homes owners face the annual sewer assessment, and delinquent trash bills get collected via property tax bills. One speaker asked whether the city offers a hardship forgiveness program like LA County's.
City workforce vacancies under AB 2561
The city has 21 vacancies across 333 budgeted positions in its four bargaining units — a 6.5% rate, well under the state's 20% reporting threshold. Staff is reviewing hiring rules that require three viable candidates before an eligibility list can be created.
City Council Strategic Study Session
The council set aside a special evening for a big-picture strategy discussion rather than routine votes. Study sessions shape the priorities that later show up in budgets, projects, and policies.
Elimination of elected city clerk, treasurer and mayor positions
Written public comments and testimony opposed reported ballot initiatives to eliminate the elected city clerk, city treasurer and mayor positions, with one speaker citing an estimated $207,000–$270,000 special election cost. Resident Megan Nichols and others submitted formal opposition emails entered into the record.