Herculeans Show Hope for City’s Finances at Strategic Plan Meeting

Residents appeared optimistic about Hercules’ climb back to financial and governmental stability at Saturday’s meeting. They were also eager find solutions for the city's financial woes.

About 50 residents, council members and city department heads showed up at the meeting, which was open to the public and held at the city’s senior center. It was the first of two charrette-style gatherings City Manager Steve Duran helped organize to vet out the city’s financial plans in the near-and-long-term.

“We should try to sue everybody feeding off the carcass of Hercules,” suggested resident Glenn Abraham  during a discussion about priorities and restoring trust in the city.

Broken down into groups, attendees discussed topics like the city government’s strengths and weaknesses and how Hercules can generate more revenue.

Several residents mentioned the current city staff and city council’s strive for transparency and the city manager’s reports as areas of strength. Some areas of communication were mentioned for weaknesses.

When it came time to discuss possible financial solutions for Hercules’ hurting revenue stream, meeting-goers suggested measures like encouraging new businesses to the city for sales tax and even a parcel tax.

But revenue discussions mostly centered on increasing the city’s share of its property tax, most of which goes to the county and other entities.

“If we had just an average amount, we would not have a structural deficit,” in the general fund, Duran said. The city has reported a $1 million structural deficit in its general fund. 

“We can’t cut anymore,” said Councilman Dan Romero at the meeting. “We’re bare boned. This (property) tax dollar is the only (hope).”

Duran said the city is looking into its options with reworking its allowed share of tax revenues.

The second strategic plan meeting will be held December 10.