Belmont · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Belmont public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
ERP Replacement Project
Belmont's financial system hits end-of-life in 2029, and the city is starting a multi-year needs assessment to pick a replacement. Councilmembers pushed for off-the-shelf solutions over costly custom programming.
Measure Y Accountability
A resident urged the council to publish a specific, multi-year spending plan for the ~$7.1 million a year Measure Y would generate for the community center, arguing an audit alone doesn't guarantee the money is spent on promised priorities.
Comprehensive City Fee Modernization
Belmont is raising sewer rates 1% a year for three years and will collect roughly $21 million in sewer-related fees through your property tax bill. The typical household bill rises about $1.38 a month, and the 10% drought adjustment is being phased out.
Community Center Special Tax Ballot Measure
The council prepared the ground for a major community center rebuild — addressing aging infrastructure, seismic and accessibility issues — should voters pass the citizen-led Measure Y parcel tax in November. No construction commitment was made; staff will set up a design-build framework and explore a Project Labor Agreement.
Halloween Street Closure Fees
A resident asked the council to reconsider the jump in street-closure fees for the Messies Halloween block party, which rose from $100 to $300 last year.
November 3, 2026 Municipal Election Called
Belmont voters will choose a District 1 council member, a District 3 council member, and the mayor at-large in November, with San Mateo County running the election.
FY 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program Consistency
The city's $12 million capital plan for next year — 87 projects in a $53.1 million five-year program — needed a consistency finding with the General Plan before the Council adopts it June 9. Commissioners clarified that bond interest payments like the Sports Complex's show up elsewhere in the budget, not the CIP.
Fleet and Vehicle Replacements
The city will spend up to $233,263 to replace an aging Public Works truck and two police vehicles, including one totaled in a collision.