Measure U Oversight Committee

Measure U Oversight Committee — February 19, 2026

This was a regular meeting of the Measure U Oversight Committee, held at Petaluma City Hall. The session's main business was reviewing the biannual report on how Measure U sales tax funds were spent during fiscal year 2024–25. All five members were present, including newly sworn-in member Jack Byrne.

Oath of Office — Jack Byrne

Newly appointed Committee Member Jack Byrne was sworn in by the City Clerk at 5:20 p.m. in the City Manager's Office, witnessed by Clerk S. Terry. Because the oath took place slightly after the official roll call, Byrne arrived to the meeting already seated as a full member.

Approval of Minutes — April 17, 2025

The committee approved the minutes from its previous meeting with no discussion.

Vote: Moved by Committee Member Hart, seconded by Committee Member Davison. Approved 4-0-1, with Byrne abstaining as he was not present at the April meeting.

Measure U Oversight Committee Biannual Report — Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025

Assistant City Manager Cochran and Assistant Finance Director Garberolio presented the biannual report covering how Measure U funds were collected and spent in FY 2024–25. The discussion covered several substantive areas:

Roads and infrastructure: Committee members asked for more detail on road budget line items, specifically those tied to the road bond project list, and how funds are being assigned to infrastructure versus other needs.

Pension obligations (CalPERS): Assistant Finance Director Garberolio explained that the city is required to fund its CalPERS pension obligations at 100% for a 20-year period beginning in 2017, with the halfway point arriving in 2031–32. At that point, the budget burden from pension contributions is expected to begin declining. Staff emphasized this is not a Petaluma-specific problem — it affects every California city in the CalPERS system. Chair Fishman noted that currently approximately 94% of Measure U revenues go toward balancing the general budget (including pension costs), with the remainder going to workforce stabilization. That ratio is expected to shift gradually as the pension obligation matures.

Workforce hiring: The committee noted that Measure U–supported hiring has occurred primarily in Parks and Public Works.

Public restrooms: Committee Member Hart asked about the status of public restrooms, a previously discussed use of funds. ACM Cochran confirmed that no restrooms have been installed yet and directed the committee to the upcoming Capital Improvement Program (CIP) workshop for more information.

Public comments submitted in writing: Three written public comments were submitted by Nick Harris prior to the meeting. Committee Member Davison raised them with staff, and staff offered to answer any questions the committee had arising from those comments. One member of the public, Chantel Rogers, spoke in person during public comment on this item. No other members of the public wished to speak.

Next steps: Staff offered to prepare a separate 20-year financial forecast for the committee if desired. The city budget is scheduled to go before the full City Council on May 4, 2026. The committee's next meeting is April 29, 2026, at which point members can decide whether to agendize any concerns about the budget before it reaches the Council.

No formal vote was taken on the report itself, as this was a review and discussion item.

Key Takeaways