What Did Management and Council Really Do?

They often claim they “worked hard to turn things around,” but here’s what actually happened:

• Accepted $6.1 million in ARPA funds

• Accepted $4 million+ per year in RPTT

• Increased property taxes after revaluation

• Benefited from increased sales tax revenue after court decisions

➡️ Over $12 million per year in extra revenues.

Despite reduced spending during COVID, spending exploded in FY 2024.

On Leadership:

Under Karen Pinkos’ leadership as City Manager:

• The city was designated as high risk for four agonizing years.

• It remains in the bottom 10% of 482 California cities in performance metrics.

Yet, the city continues to act as though it’s a premier municipality.

Meanwhile, Karen Pinkos portrays herself as solving inherited problems. The reality?

• She was #2 when the issues developed.

• The city’s bond rating fell from AA- to BBB- under her leadership, with only a modest “rebound” to BBB.

Actions speak louder than words. Let’s focus on results, not rhetoric.

#KarenPinkos #TessaRudnick #HighRisk #Accountability #TransparencyMatters #FiscalResponsibility #CityCouncil #PublicFinance #CommunityFirst #LeadershipMatters