The Antioch School Board meeting on May 6, 2026, was held in the Deer Valley High School Theater to accommodate an expected large attendance by teachers, staff and the public. But that did not materialize. Photos by Allen D. Payton
“It would be unconscionable that we would be taking away livelihoods without readjusting pay scales, first.” – Board Vice President Olga Cobos-Smith
No public comments allowed before failed vote on budget cuts, but allowed before staff cut votes
“It is painful to make cuts. But it is more painful when local control is lost and folks who think we’ve saved their jobs, they’re actually not saved, now.” – Board President Dr. Jag Lathan
“Please do not solve this deficit on the backs of students with disabilities, families and the staff who serve them.” – Antioch resident
By Allen D. Payton
In spite of the Antioch Unified School District facing a $32 million deficit, during a long meeting, sparsely attended by the public, Wednesday night, May 6, 2026, the Board of Trustees on split votes, opposed the proposed $18.7 million in budget cuts and staff cuts of 175 positions. Only Board President and Area 2 Trustee Dr. Jag Lathan and Area 1 Trustee Antonio Hernandez voted for the cuts. Board Vice President and Area 4 Trustee Olga Cobos-Smith, Area 3 Trustee Dee Brown and Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha voted against.
The meeting was held in the Deer Valley High School Theater with the expectation of greater attendance than the District’s Board Room could accommodate. But that turned out to not be necessary.
Vote #1 – Budget Cuts
For agenda item 6.A., Resolution 2025-2026-61 entitled, “Adoption of Proposed Budget Reductions for the 2026-27 Fiscal Year”. That resolution read: “NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the District is recommending that the Board of Education adopt the proposed 2026-27 budget reductions of $18,759,069 for the 2026-27 budget in support of its fiscal solvency goals and the restoration and retention of the mandatory 3.0% Reserve for Economic Uncertainties required under California Education Code 33128.3.”
Hernandez moved approval of the resolution under item 6.A., seconded by Lathan. Without public comment on the agenda item, or discussion or comments by the board members, and Lathan ignoring a call of a point of order from the member of the public, the trustees voted on the motion to adopt and it failed on a 2-3 vote.
Vote #2 – Teachers & Other Certificated Staff Cuts
The final person to speak during 29 minutes of public comments on agenda items 6.B. and C., said, “Please do not solve this deficit on the backs of students with disabilities, families and the staff who serve them.”
The board then took up item 6.B. and Hernandez spoke first saying, “For today, I have to do what I believe is fiscally prudent…to put our district in the best light,” before the vote on Resolution No. 2025-2026-58. It was entitled “Adopting the Administrative Law Judge Decision and Authorizing Final Layoff of Certificated Employees Due to Reduction or Discontinuance of Particular Kinds of Services.”
Brown said she wanted information on “what the fall start was going to look like” so she and Cobos-Smith could present it to the community, first. “I didn’t get that information. I’m still waiting for that information,” Brown continued. “I don’t want to make a vote on something rushed, for me. I cannot make haste decisions. That’s just who I am and this is a huge decision. So, I will be voting ‘no’,” she concluded.
Rocha, who presented her fellow trustees and District staff with her opposition to the cuts which was provided to and published by the Herald, yesterday, simply said, “I will be voting ‘no’. So, go ahead.” (See related article)
Lathan responded saying, “I’m really concerned. I’ve seen this play out. Although, in the end…it is painful to make cuts. But it is more painful when local control is lost and folks who think we’ve saved their jobs, they’re actually not saved, now.”
The motion to adopt the resolution to cut 78 teachers and other Certificated employee positions was made by Hernandez and seconded by Lathan. It read in part, “BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the employment of the affected certificated employees listed on Exhibit Ais hereby terminated effective upon the close of the current school year, i.e., the end of each affected employee’s last working day prior to July 1, 2026.” The motion also failed on a 2-3 vote with the same split of trustees.
Vote #3 – Classified Staff Cuts
Hernandez moved approval of item 6.C., Resolution No. 2025-2026-60, entitled, “Reduction or Discontinuance of Classified Services in Accordance with Administrative Law Judge Decision” with Lathan seconding the motion.
Before the vote, Hernandez said, “Again, I hope that we have more time. But, you know, I have to vote yes and move this forward. Because at least with all the information I have now, this is our only financial decision moving forward.”
Cobos-Smith responded by saying, “And I’ll also reiterate my point. It would be unconscionable that we would be taking away livelihoods without readjusting pay scales, first.”
The resolution to cut 97.4964 Full Time Equivalent Classified employee positions “for lack of work or lack of funds” included, “BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the employment of the affected classified employees listed on Exhibit Ais hereby terminated effective upon the close of the current school year, i.e., the end of each affected employee’s last working day prior to July 1, 2026.” The motion to adopt was also moved by Hernandez and seconded by Lathan and it failed on a 2-3 vote, with the same two trustees voting in favor and three voting against.
The Board then did not vote to cancel the May 13th regular school board meeting as the motion by Rocha did not receive a second.
“If we’re going to do any kind of reductions in staffing it has to be done by May 15th. So, that will be our last opportunity to do that,” Hernandez said. Lathan confirmed his information. Rocha then withdrew her motion.
Watch the Board meeting video on the District’s YouTube channel. See the votes beginning at the 2:13:20 and 2:50:19 marks.
Join us for the first City of Antioch General Plan Advisory Committee Meeting on Monday, May 11 at 6:00 PM in the Antioch City Council Chambers.
This meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the General Plan Update process and stay connected to the work helping shape Antioch’s future.
This General Plan Update is a way for you to share your vision for the future of Antioch. We need your help to make the General Plan a success.
The City is excited to embark on this process of updating our General Plan, creating a new blueprint for our community. A lot has changed since the last comprehensive General Plan update in 2003. Antioch has grown, new housing developments have been built, business and industry needs are different, the way people get around town has changed, and our needs and priorities have evolved.
Looking forward 20 years, how will state and regional trends impact life in Antioch? What new technologies and innovations will change how we live, work, and play? While we can’t see exactly what the future holds, we are preparing for it by updating our General Plan.
What do you love about Antioch? What opportunities and challenges do you think face Antioch as it evolves over the next 10, 15 or 20 years?
Sharing your ideas at community workshops, open houses, and online will help make sure that the updated General Plan conveys the values and priorities of its residents and businesses. With your help, we can set the stage for a future that honors our history and builds a more prosperous, vibrant, and safe Antioch. Let’s build our next chapter, together.
Each city in California is required to have a General Plan, which provides long-term policy guidance for the community’s growth and development, addressing physical, economic, social, and environmental changes. The General Plan provides opportunities to improve the quality of life in Antioch – enhancing public safety and fostering the vibrant, safe community we all deserve. This General Plan Update is our direct opportunity to address key challenges and set a new course. After the General Plan Update is complete, the zoning code will be revised to reflect the updated General Plan.
Visit the General Plan website for updates and sign up for notifications to stay informed about future meetings and opportunities to participate.
The Antioch Farmers’ Market in the Rivertown district brings together 25 truckloads of fresh produce and prepared foods from local family farms and artisans on Sundays, 9am to 1pm. Featuring the famous super sweet white corn from Brentwood, tree-ripened apricots from Patterson, peaches and nectarines from Hughson, vine-ripe strawberries and organic vegetables from Hollister. Farm fresh eggs, Asian vegetables, freshly baked breads and pastries! The Antioch Farmers’ Market is hosted by the City of Antioch and sponsored by the Celebrate Antioch Foundation.
With an empty chair where Antioch City Manager Bessie Scott usually sits next to her, City Attorney Lori Asuncion reads reports out from Closed Session as the mayor, council members and Finance Director Dawn Merchant look on during the meeting on May 5, 2026. Photo by Allen D. Payton
City Council appoints HR Director as Acting City Manager
Several members of the public spoke in support of Bessie Scott
By Allen D. Payton
Antioch City Manager Bessie M. Scott. Official photo
Following a three-hour long Closed Session meeting of the Antioch City Council on May 5, 2026, it was announced that City Manager Bessie M. Scott was on a paid leave of absence and the council appointed another staff member as Acting City Manager.
The closed-door meeting lasted about three hours during which they discussed Scott’s performance evaluation and a potential lawsuit against the City by an unnamed employee. (See related article)
Scott did not attend the open session prior to the council adjourning into closed session, nor did she attend that meeting.
During the open session, which began at 4:00 p.m., a variety of residents spoke, many on the assumption Scott was going to be fired.
Public Comments
Rivertown store owner and Downtown Antioch Association leader Debbie Blaisure said about Scott, “She gave the faith in the downtown businesses to do the job. I am hoping and praying she continues with this city. I wish all the businesses were here to talk on her behalf.”
Dr. Jamilia Land spoke next saying, “Some of what I’ve been hearing should disturb everyone in this room. It was under your watch that much of what happened in the APD occurred. To turn around and gaslight this woman, I’ve heard nothing but positive from people in the community.”
Antioch Police Oversight Commission (APOC) Vice Chairperson Devin Williams said, “This decision isn’t just about a person it’s about a pattern. It makes it difficult to move forward. Instead of working with her they want to get rid of her. We lose consistency. We lost time. We lose money. We lose the same money we say we don’t have. This sends a message. She hasn’t been here long enough to actually make a difference. This seems like the City of Antioch continues to self-sabotage. This stuff is exhausting.”
APOC Chairperson Porshe Taylor spoke next saying, “I’m not proud of the city. This person is being disclosed in Closed Session, yet without the public. This room is empty. This is disappointing.”
In her comments, Assistant City Clerk Christina Garcia announced her retirement concluding with, “When people stop listening it’s time to go.”
“I’ve been here for 23 1/2 years,” she said. “Why does the city manager evaluation have to be up here 10 times within a year? I don’t understand why this is happening, Ron. I thank you, City Manager Scott, for helping with the City Clerk’s Office. Let’s work together. Let’s move forward. It is time for me to retire. You didn’t push me out. It’s time to move on.”
Homeless advocate and resident Andrew Becker said, “I did rush down here with the short notice. He asked what is involved in a city employee performance review.” The special meeting agenda was issued Monday afternoon.
This reporter spoke during public comments and asked why the meeting was being held in the afternoon and suggested the council postpone it until next Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. to give the public time to provide input to the council, first.
Businessman and event promoter Ron Muhammad spoke last saying, “I’m a shareholder in this corporation called Antioch in the Bluerock district. The measuring stick on our elected officials should be deliverables. Closed Session should be based on input from your constituents. Check in with your constituents and represent them.”
City Attorney’s Announcements from Closed Session Actions
Antioch HR Director and now, Acting City Manager Ana Cortez. Official photo
Following closed session, City Attorney Lori Asuncion reported out, “that Council voted 4-0 with Councilwoman (Tamisha) Torres-Walker abstaining, City Manager is on leave of absence effective Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Compensation will continue without disruption. Ana Cortez is appointed Acting City Manager in the city manager’s absence effective immediately.”
She further said about agenda item 2., regarding a potential lawsuit against the City by an unnamed employee believed to possibly be Scott, “there’s nothing to report out under that agenda item.”
According to a press release by City PIO Jaden Baird, Scott’s benefits will also “continue without disruption during this period.
“The City Council appointed Human Resources and Risk Management Director Ana Cortez to serve as Acting City Manager effective immediately during the City Manager’s absence.
“City operations and services will continue without disruption.
“As this matter pertains to a confidential personnel issue, the City is not at liberty to provide additional information at this time.”
Scott was hired in 2024 on a two-year contract and started in the position in early October of that year.
Following the city attorney’s announcement, due to the extended length of the closed session, District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha suggested postponing the scheduled special Budget Study Session meeting which was to begin at 5:30 p.m., until next Tuesday night. The council agreed with a 5-0 vote and the meeting was adjourned.
AUSD staff presentation cover for Board of Trustees meeting on May 6, 2026. Source: AUSD
“to address the District’s structural deficit” of $32 million
Meeting in Deer Valley High Theater
Rocha issues statement challenging cuts
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting tonight, Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the Antioch School Board will vote on over $18.7 million in cuts for the 2026-27 School Year budget which will include eliminating 48 teaching and 30 other Certificated employee positions and over 97 other staff positions in the Antioch Unified School District.
To accommodate what is expected to be an attendance larger than the Board Room can hold, the meeting will be held beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Deer Valley High School Theater at 4700 Lone Tree Way.
The regular meeting will follow a Closed Session at 6:00 p.m. in which the Board will hold labor negotiations with various employee groups including the Antioch Education Association representing the District’s teachers; California School Employees Association, Chapter 85 which consists of what are referred to as the Classified employees; Antioch Management Association and Senior Management.
Source: AUSD
Regular Agenda
Under agenda 6. Action Items, the Board will consider three matters:
B. Resolution No. 2025-2026-58, Adopting the Administrative Law Judge Decision and Authorizing Final Layoff of Certificated Employees Due to Reduction or Discontinuance of Particular Kinds of Services; and
C. Approval of Resolution No. 2025-2026-60, Reduction or Discontinuance of Classified Services in Accordance with Administrative Law Judge Decision.
According to the District staff presentation for Item 6.A., entitled “2026-27 Proposed Budget Reduction Plan”, the Board is being asked to “approve the proposed budget reductions and fiscal actions to address the District’s structural deficit of $32 million and support ongoing financial stability” with “Estimated savings of $18,759,069 beginning in 2026–2027, with ongoing multiyear impact.”
The proposals include eliminating 78 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Certificated positions, including 15 elementary, 10 secondary and 23 other teachers, plus, three vice principals saving approximately $10,147,363.58. An additional 97.4964 FTE cuts to Classified or other staff are proposed for a total of approximately $7,454,787.84. (See Draft Resolutions here and here).
The proposed Budget Reduction Resolution also includes “approximately $24,000,000 potential reduction for Fiscal Year 2027–28 and 2028-29.”
Source: AUSD
The Proposed Budget Reductions presentation includes lists of Academic and Fiscal Pressures the District is facing:
Academic Pressures
• Ongoing need to improve student achievement and close learning gaps
• Increased demand for targeted interventions and support services
• Staffing needs to maintain reasonable class sizes and program quality
• Expanded services for special education, multilingual learners, and at-risk students
• Mental health, counseling, and student wellness supports
• Maintaining breadth of programs (CTE, arts, athletics, enrichment)
• State accountability requirements and performance expectations, and
• Recruitment and retention of qualified teachers and staff
• Declining or fluctuating enrollment impacting revenue
• Uncertainty in state funding and economic conditions
• Inflationary increases in operating costs (utilities, transportation, materials)
• Limited flexibility due to restricted funding sources
• One-time funds expiring (e.g., pandemic relief), and
• Need to maintain adequate reserves and avoid state intervention
Source: AUSD
Rocha Issues “Concerns Regarding Proposed Budget Reductions and Impact on Students”
Serving in what is expected to be her final year of her final term, Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha will present the following letter to her fellow board members during the meeting tonight:
Dear Superintendent and Fellow Board Members,
As elected members of this Board, we were entrusted by our community to serve the best interests of our students while exercising fiscal responsibility, accountability, and sound educational judgment. Our role is not only to oversee the financial health of the district, but also to ensure that decisions made today do not compromise the educational opportunities, wellbeing, and future success of the students we were elected to serve.
After reviewing the information presented regarding the proposed reductions intended to save approximately $18 million, I believe there are significant concerns that require further clarification and thoughtful consideration before moving forward.
The proposed reductions include the removal of coordinators, teachers, paraprofessionals, wellness staff, and other essential personnel whose work directly supports students and school operations on a daily basis. These are not peripheral positions; they are integral to maintaining academic support systems, student engagement, school safety, and equitable access to learning.
Additionally, reducing the number of teachers will inevitably increase classroom sizes unless the district is anticipating a substantial decline in enrollment, of which the Board and community have not yet been fully informed. Larger class sizes limit individualized instruction, reduce teacher accessibility, and may negatively impact student achievement and classroom climate.
I am also deeply concerned about the proposed closure of wellness centers. These centers serve as critical support spaces for students experiencing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges during the school day. If wellness centers are eliminated, what is the district’s plan to ensure students continue receiving these supports? Will school counselors be expected to absorb these responsibilities in addition to their current academic and counseling caseloads? If so, has an analysis been conducted regarding the feasibility and impact of such expectations?
Equally important are the implications surrounding the reduction or removal of English Language Development services. English learners depend on specialized instructional support in order to acquire the language skills necessary to access curriculum across all grade levels and subject areas. If these services are reduced, who will assume responsibility for ensuring these students receive the support required for academic success and compliance with educational obligations?
Most importantly, I respectfully ask: where is the written plan demonstrating that these proposed $18 million in reductions will not negatively affect students? Before approving cuts of this magnitude, I believe the Board and the community deserve to see a comprehensive impact analysis outlining how student learning, student wellbeing, academic outcomes, and equitable access to services will be preserved for approximately 17,000 students across the district.
As Board members, we must ensure that financial decisions remain aligned with our educational mission and responsibilities to students, families, staff, and the broader community. Fiscal stewardship is essential; however, it must be balanced with our obligation to protect the instructional and support systems that students rely upon every day.
I respectfully urge that we continue these discussions transparently, collaboratively, and with a student-centered focus before final decisions are made.
Antioch City Manager’s 2025 Annual Report cover. Source: City of Antioch. Edited by the Herald
Touts public safety reforms, approving 1,806 new housing units, plus, 530 new businesses opening in 2024 & 2025
“It has been an honor to serve and to help lead the continued effort to strengthen and improve our community together.” – Bessie M. Scott, Antioch City Manager
By Allen D. Payton
The City of Antioch has released its 2025 City Manager’s Annual Report, on what might be Bessie Scott’s last day in the position, providing a comprehensive overview of work completed across City departments over the past year.
According to the City’s press release by PIO Jaden Baird, “The report highlights major projects, operational updates, departmental accomplishments and ongoing efforts that supported residents, businesses, and the broader Antioch community. It is intended to provide a clear picture of the City’s work and progress across a range of service areas and organizational priorities.
“The 2025 Annual Report includes updates from departments throughout the organization and reflects the breadth of work required to deliver core services, advance City initiatives, and support the daily operations of local government.”
“I am deeply grateful to our Mayor, City Council and City staff for their partnership and commitment to this work–but most importantly, to the residents of Antioch,” said City Manager Scott. “Your trust, your voices and your belief in what this city can become have made this progress possible. It has been an honor to serve and to help lead the continued effort to strengthen and improve our community together. Opportunity lives here.”
Key Highlights
Antioch reported a continued focus on fiscal stewardship, including reserve levels above policy thresholds and steps to address projected General Fund pressure.
The City reported 530 new businesses opening in 2024 and 2025 and highlighted new retail, industrial, and mixed-use development activity.
In 2025, the City entitled 1,806 housing units across multiple housing types, including 178 affordable units.
Parks and Recreation highlighted major community usage, including 46,943 water park guests and program participants and 6,234 recreation class and program participants.
Information Services reported major technology upgrades, including core infrastructure improvements, cybersecurity investments, and 4,421 helpdesk tickets resolved.
Public safety reform efforts included continued DOJ-related reform work, expanded transparency measures, and ongoing recruitment within the Police Department.
Public Works highlighted major infrastructure activity, including the Brackish Water Desalination Project, L Street improvements, water main replacement work, and sustainability investments.
In the report’s Welcome Message, Scott wrote, “This annual report is dedicated to the department heads who work tirelessly each day to serve the residents of Antioch. Their leadership, expertise, and commitment drive the essential services, programs, and initiatives that keep our city running. Through their collaboration and dedication to public service, they help move Antioch forward and make our community a better place to live, work, and grow.”
Here message continued, “As I reflect on my first year serving as your City Manager, I want to speak directly to you—openly, honestly, and with deep respect for the resilience of this community.
“This past year has not been easy. Antioch faced multiple, overlapping challenges that tested our institutions and our trust in one another. We confronted a deeply painful police scandal that rightly demanded accountability, transparency, and reform. We navigated a significant structural budget deficit that required difficult decisions and fiscal discipline. And we did so in a city experiencing real division—where frustration, fear, and fatigue were present alongside hope and determination.
“As part of this work, the City also launched a citywide operational assessment process with an independent consultant to evaluate how departments are functioning, identify strengths and gaps, and recommend improvements in areas such as strategy, leadership, systems and processes, workforce, and resources. These assessments are intended to help the City better understand where operations can be modernized, where efficiencies can be gained, and where organizational changes may be needed to support stronger service delivery and long-term stability. This work is ongoing. At the time of this annual report, only some departmental assessments have been completed and released, with additional reports to be issued as the process continues. “The goal is not only to identify challenges, but to create a roadmap for improvement that strengthens accountability, supports employees, and positions the City to serve the community more effectively.
“Managing through crisis is never about pretending challenges don’t exist. It is about facing them directly, grounding decisions in facts and values, and keeping the long-term health of the community at the center of every action. From day one, my commitment has been to stabilize the organization, restore credibility, and move Antioch forward—without losing sight of the people most affected by our choices.
“Over the past year, we took decisive steps to address immediate risks while laying the groundwork for sustainable progress. We strengthened financial controls, improved transparency, and began the hard work of restoring fiscal balance. We initiated organizational reforms to reinforce ethical standards, accountability, and professionalism across city operations. We continued delivering core services—public safety, infrastructure, and community programs—even under constrained conditions. And we worked to rebuild trust by engaging more openly with residents, employees, and community partners. As the City Manager, I am proud to be part of a City that has taken hard, meaningful and necessary steps to move Antioch forward in the following ways:”
Scott then offered details of accomplishments in six areas including:
Stabilized the City’s finances;
Strengthened organizational accountability and ethics;
Maintained core services during crisis;
Improved internal operations and governance;
Advanced transparency and communication; and
Positioned the City for recovery and growth.
She continued in her Welcome Message for the Annual Report writing, “Progress does not always look dramatic or come with flashy headlines. Often, it looks like steady, disciplined work: systems being repaired, policies updated, teams rebuilt, and expectations clarified.
“It looks like choosing long-term stability over short-term comfort. It looks like listening—even when conversations are difficult—and acting with integrity, even when the path forward is not popular. Even still, I am incredibly grateful to get to do this “quiet” work in order to keep moving the city forward.
“Despite the challenges, Antioch is moving forward. The city is more financially disciplined, organizationally aligned, and focused on results than it was a year ago. We are better positioned to address public safety, invest in infrastructure, pursue economic development, and deliver services that reflect the values and diversity of this community.
“None of this work happens alone. I am grateful to the City Council for navigating complex decisions, to city employees who continued serving under extraordinary pressure, and to residents who demanded better while remaining engaged in the civic process. Your voices—critical, supportive, and everything in between—matter.
“The work ahead is still significant. Healing trust, strengthening systems, and building a more equitable and unified Antioch will take time. But I remain confident in this city’s capacity to confront hard truths, make responsible choices, and shape a stronger future together.
“Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve. I am committed to continuing this work with transparency, professionalism, and an unwavering focus on the long-term well-being of Antioch.
With respect and resolve,
Bessie Marie Scott, City Manager, City of Antioch”
Antioch Police cordoned off Percheron Way during their investigation of the scene of the homicide Tuesday morning, May 5, 2026. Photos courtesy of ContraCosta.news
By Lt. William Whitaker # 6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
Antioch police responded to a shooting in the 5000 block of Percheron Way on May 5, 2026, at 9:14 a.m. Upon arrival, officers located an adult man who was unconscious, not breathing, and suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Officers rendered aid until paramedics arrived, but the victim, 44-year-old male Antioch resident, died at the scene.
The suspect, a 38-year-old male Antioch resident, was located nearby and taken into custody after breaking into an unrelated residence. The weapon used in the incident was recovered. There is no ongoing threat to the community.
The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is actively investigating this case. No additional details are being released at this time.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact Detective Becerra at (925) 779-6937 or abecerra@antiochca.gov, or the Investigations Bureau at (925) 779-6926.
Antioch City Manager Bessie Scott’s performance will be evaluated by the city council Tuesday afternoon, May 5, 2026. Photo: City of Antioch
Deal with possible lawsuit by city employee during special meeting before another budget study session
Staff does not provide baseline budget to council as requested but shows annual deficits for this, next two years
By Allen D. Payton
CORRECTION: This reporter and members of the community misinterpreted the intent of the agenda items for today’s City Council Closed Session meeting. Because nothing was agendized to discipline or release a city employee, it was not possible for the Council to discuss terminating City Manager Scott.
During a special afternoon Closed Session meeting today, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the Antioch City Council will discuss City Manager Bessie Scott’s performance evaluation, then deal with a potential lawsuit from an unnamed city employee and appoint an interim city manager. That means Scott could be placed on paid leave. That meeting begins at 4:00 p.m. It will be followed by another budget session at 5:30 p.m.
Scott started in October 2024 and just completed 19 months in her position out of her two-year contract. As previously reported, she was hired on a split, 3-2 City Council vote in August 2024.
The fact that City staff did not provide “a baseline budget that represents only the required minimum municipal services that the City has to provide” for the 2026-27 Fiscal Year, as requested by the mayor, according to the staff report for the Budget Study Session, that may be one of the reasons for the Council’s actions.
The Closed Session agenda reads as follows:
1) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: CITY MANAGER.
This closed session is authorized pursuant to California Government Code section 54957(b)(1).
2) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION. The city is in receipt of facts and circumstances that might result in litigation against the City which are known to a potential plaintiff and that pertain to potential employment-related claims by the potential plaintiff against the City. This closed session is authorized pursuant to California Government Code sections 54956.9(d)(2) and 54956.9(e)(2). Number of cases: One.
3) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT: ACTING CITY MANAGER. This closed session is authorized pursuant to California Government Code section 54957.
The legal matter may be a possible lawsuit by Scott if she is being terminated for cause and the council doesn’t plan to pay her six months of severance included in her contract. But that is mere speculation as the agenda provides no other information to the public.
Mayor Ron Bernal and the four council members were asked why they’re holding a meeting to fire the city manager and hire an acting city manager at 4:00 p.m. when most people can’t attend. They were also asked why now when she only has six more months on her contract.
Only Freitas responded with, “They Mayor is responsible for setting the agenda. And, due to confidentiality I am legally prevented from discussing this matter with you.”
Additional efforts to reach Bernal and efforts to reach Scott were unsuccessful prior to publication time.
Adjustments from City Council meeting on April 28, 2026. Source: City of Antioch
Budget Study Session – Includes Deficits for This, Following Two years
For the special Budget Study Session beginning at 5:30 p.m., City staff did not provided the Council with the requested baseline budget. The staff report for the one agenda item reads, “At the Special Meeting of April 21, 2026, the Mayor requested that staff provide a baseline budget that represents only the required minimum municipal services that the City has to provide; to then afford the City Council to layer upon that budget to address priorities. As stated by the City Manager and Finance Director, with only 9 weeks to go until the City is required to adopt a budget, this is an impossible exercise to complete in such a short time frame to ensure we have time to research legal mandates as well as do a thorough review of departmental expenditures for what ‘qualify’ as the bare minimum and what is considered to be beyond the minimum. Should Council want to pursue this budget process, it is recommended to start this in August for building the Fiscal Year 2027-28 budget and potential mid-year adjustment for Fiscal Year 2026-27.”
Furthermore, the staff report reads, “With the budget as presented this evening, Council will need to determine what the acceptable level of deficit they are willing to proceed with and potentially direct specific cuts to incorporate if the Council is not willing to adopt this budget.”
Included in the proposed budget are the adjustments the Council proposed at their meeting on April 28th which amount to almost $2.4 million in cuts, plus, the $5 million transfer from the Budget Stabilization Fund.
Source: City of Antioch
Even with those cuts and an annual transfer of $5 million from the Budget Stabilization Fund, the General Fund Budget Summary shows an ending deficit for this year of $4.7 million, proposed for the 2026-27 Fiscal Year of $6.5 million and projected for the 2027-27 Fiscal Year of $13.4 million.
The Closed Session will begin and the Budget Study Session will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. They can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website, on Comcast Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99 and a recording posted later on the City’s YouTube Channel. The public can speak before the Closed Session to give input prior to the council adjourning to the closed door meeting.
