Will hear about technology upgrade plan

By Allen D. Payton

During a special meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the Antioch City Council will again discuss the 2026-27 budget and vote on joining a new joint powers authority (JPA) to fulfill state-mandated stormwater treatment obligations. Formation of the JPA could lead to new property tax assessments. The Council will also vote on spending over $7.7 million on various City expenditures including $500,000 on new furniture for the Police Department and Animal Services.

Budget Study Session

The Budget Study Session will begin at 6:00 p.m. to discuss and provide feedback and direction to City staff regarding the budget development information provided for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget. Worksheets for Special Revenue, Capital Project, Internal Service, Antioch Public Finance Authority and Housing Successor to the Antioch Development Agency Funds. Enterprise, Street Light and Landscape, Recreation and Animal Service Fund budgets will be presented at a future meeting.

Closed Session

Before the regular meeting, the Council will hold a Closed Session beginning at 4:30 p.m. to discuss potential litigation and the new City Attorney’s Performance Evaluation. Since Lori Asuncion just started in the position on March 2nd, the meeting will most likely be to discuss goals and the council’s desires for her upon which she will later be evaluated.

Contra Costa County Regional Alternative Compliance System Joint Powers Authority for Off-Site Green Stormwater Infrastructure (Say that three times!)

Under agenda item 5, the Council will discuss and vote on joining the new Contra Costa County Regional Alternative Compliance (RAC) Joint Powers Authority (JPA), an innovative, regionally supported approach to fulfilling state-mandated stormwater treatment obligations. Developed through a partnership between Contra Costa Clean Water Program (CCCWP), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (“San Francisco Bay Water Board”), the RAC System provides an off-site, alternate compliance mechanism for the Off-Site Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) that would normally be required on site.

According to the City staff report for the item, the council vote will include authorizing the JPA to establish one or more community facilities districts (CFDs), accept applications from property owners, annex properties to the CFD, and levy special taxes to finance on-going maintenance costs for the GSI.

Participation in the RAC JPA will require the City of Antioch to contribute to the JPA’s annual operating cost.

According to the RAC’s webpage, “The Regional Alternative Compliance System (RAC) is a revolutionary new funding system that provides a market-based, regional approach to stormwater treatment. Developed by the Cities of San Pablo and Walnut Creek, unincorporated Contra Costa County, and the Contra Costa Clean Water Program,the RAC is a first-of-its-kind model that provides sustainable long-term financing for larger, more strategic, regional green infrastructure projects.

“Instead of requiring each individual infrastructure project to handle stormwater on-site, developers can purchase “compliance units” in larger, shared green infrastructure facilities. This improves efficiency, directs resources to pollution hotspots (often in disadvantaged communities), and creates a dedicated funding stream for long-term maintenance. It’s a scalable solution for stormwater managers across California and beyond.”

Who is RAC For?

Developers

Some development and redevelopment sites may have constraints (size, steep grades, etc.) that make it difficult to build on-site stormwater treatment. When a project has difficulty building MRP-required stormwater treatment on-site, it can use the Contra Costa County RAC System to comply with the MRP. 

Municipalities

Municipalities may purchase compliance units to comply with MRP Provision C.3.j impervious surface retrofit requirements. Additionally, municipalities with Regulated Projects, such as large road reconstruction projects, could use the Contra Costa County RAC System to comply with the MRP. Municipalities may also act as “sellers” through the Contra Costa County RAC System. 

Non-profits 

Non-profits or other environmental organizations may be interested in building GSI facilities that can be partially funded by selling compliance units through the Contra Costa County RAC System.

Contractors

Developers or contractors may be interested in building Off-Site GSI Projects to generate compliance units that can be sold through the Contra Costa County RAC System.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RAC

The RAC System is backed by $1.6M in U.S. EPA grants. RAC is being piloted now and will expand countywide by 2026, setting a model for stormwater managers across California.

See RAC Public Fact Sheet and Joint Powers Authority FAQ.

Consent Calendar Expenditures

During the Consent Calendar the Council will vote on approving $496,499.64 for new furniture for Police Department and Animal Services workstation remodel upgrades, a five-year, $2.5 million contract for on-call electrical contractor maintenance and repair services, a three-year, $2.4 million contract for the purchase and delivery of unleaded and diesel fuel for City operations, as well as $2.365 million for Water Treatment Plant chemicals and sulfuric acid for one year.

Proclamations

At the beginning of the meeting, the council will vote on approving two proclamations, one recognizing American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month, April 2026 and the other In Recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 12 – 18, 2026.

Presentations

At the beginning of the regular meeting, the Council will receive two presentations. The first is a Technology Assessment & Roadmap Presentation from Tenjumps. The firm was hired by the City to “first assess the current state of the existing technology, then determine the desired future state, and create a roadmap to achieve it.”

The roadmap includes the following steps:

• Fully adopt the NextRequest System for the Public Record Act request process, standardizing PRA management by transitioning all cross-department activity from email-based process into NextRequest.
• Implement an agenda management system to manage City Council and public meeting agendas , materials, and actions items
• Migrate business licensing function from LicenseTrack to Tyler Enterprise Permitting & Licensing software. It provides financial, human resources and revenue management solutions for cities, counties, and special districts;
• Establish automated interfaces across systems that capture revenue into the central revenue sub-ledger within Tyler ERP Pro (Enterprise Resource Planning);
• Complete the remaining implementation of Trimble Unity Maintain for the water treatment plant and decommission MobileMMS usage. According to the company’s product brochure, it is “cloud-based, GIS-centric enterprise asset management software that enables owners of complex properties and infrastructure to increase efficiency and reduce costs by optimizing asset operation and maintenance”;
• Enable city departments to submit and track service requests to Public Works through Unity Maintain;
• Centralize and automate manual human resources reporting to eliminate current manual processes and provide HR with accurate and automated daily reporting;
• Create a technology enabled workflow to catalogue and track approvals for contracts to replace manual, email-based contract routing;
• Create a structured framework to guide how the City identifies, evaluates, and acquires software systems; and
• Establish a technology training program to empower city staff to better utilize everyday productivity tools along with specific functional tools essential to their departments.

The second will presentation will be the Antioch Community Foundation Update.

Meeting Details

The Closed Session will begin and the Budget Study Session and regular meeting, beginning at 7:00 p.m., will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. It 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.

See complete agenda packet.

By City of Antioch

Join us for a community meeting with the Antioch Police Department on Monday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Ignatius Church, 3351 Contra Loma Blvd.

During the meeting, we will share updates and discuss issues or concerns affecting the community. This is an opportunity to ask questions, receive helpful information and engage directly with your Police Department.

For those attending, please note:

– Enter through the Parish Hall entrance

– Park in the nearby lot as shown in the attached location photos

– Please do not enter through the main church entrance

We encourage all interested community members to attend.

To contact the Antioch Police Department call (925) 779-6900 and to learn more visit www.antiochca.gov/186/Police-Department.

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

In an effort to Keep Antioch Beautiful and to celebrate Arbor Day we hosted an event to plant nearly 30 trees around Prewett Family Park and in the Antioch Community Center’s parking lot!

First celebrated in the U.S. in 1872, Arbor Day is a national holiday in which encourages public attention to the importance of trees in our ecosystem. Planting, relocating and even climbing trees are encouraged, along with learning more about the myriad of ways trees function in our environment and help us all to exist. Learn more about Arbor Day from the Farmer’s Almanac and Arbor Day Foundation.

Thank you to everyone involved:

• Students from Holy Rosary School
• Antioch Public Works
• Antioch Police Department
• Antioch Public Safety
• City Council Members Don Freitas and Monica Wilson

The strides our community makes to Keep Antioch Beautiful are ongoing!

And takes the involvement of our entire community.

If you are interested in any upcoming volunteer events, please visit our website: antiochca.gov/recreation

See more photos of the event on the City of Antioch Recreation Department Facebook page.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Get your unwanted documents shredded at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1360 East Tregallas Road, Antioch Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations will raise funds for scholarships and grants coordinated by the church’s Endowment Committee.

“Through its endowment, the church has given scholarships to students pursuing college degrees as well as continuing education opportunities such as gaining teacher certification. It has also given a grant to support training school tutors and a grant to purchase microphones for a middle school classroom,” said Eileen Blumhardt-Butler, chair of the Endowment Committee.

“These scholarships and grants are a way our church can share God’s love with the community,” Blumhardt-Butler added.

St. John’s Lutheran Church (stjohnsantioch.org) has Sunday School and services at 9 a.m. on Sundays. For more information, please call (925) 767-3070.

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For more information contact rivertowntreasurechest@gmail.com or visit www.downtownantioch.com.

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Hearings Monday & Tuesday, April 27 & 28

“We continue to find ways to deliver services more efficiently and cost-effectively while maintaining service levels for our community.” – County Administrator Monica Nino

Adoption scheduled for Tuesday, May 19

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media

(Martinez, CA) –  As counties across the nation face growing fiscal pressure driven by federal and state policy changes, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will convene a two-day public hearing to consider the County’s $7.248 billion proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

Hearings will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 27, and Tuesday, April 28 at the Board Chambers, 1025 Escobar Street, in Martinez. The proposal reflects a significant shift in fiscal responsibility from federal and state governments to counties. The budget is balanced using a combination of ongoing revenues and one-time departmental funds, as departments respond to increasing costs and evolving policy changes.

“This year’s recommended budget reflects our continued commitment to delivering essential public services and the growing challenges counties face as federal and state funding shifts,” said Board Chair Diane Burgis, District 3 Supervisor. “We are navigating a period of uncertainty while continuing to prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of our community through responsible fiscal management and long-term planning. Community members are encouraged to attend the hearings and provide input on County priorities and services.”

Responding to Federal and State Changes

The upcoming fiscal year is shaped in part by anticipated impacts from federal legislation, including H.R. 1, which is expected to reduce funding for safety-net programs and tighten eligibility for services such as Medi-Cal and CalFresh. These changes are likely to increase demand for County services while reducing external funding support.

Contra Costa County’s Health Services and Employment and Human Services departments are among the most affected, relying on one-time fund balances to maintain service levels in the near term, essentially drawing on savings from prior years.

Approximately 53 percent of the County’s budget is funded by state and federal sources.

The budget includes 11,261 full-time equivalent positions, with continued efforts to manage vacancies, control costs, and align staffing with service needs. 

Fiscal Outlook and Community Impact

While the budget is balanced for the coming year, it relies on one-time resources and reflects ongoing fiscal pressures, including:

• Uncertainty in federal and state funding and implementation of H.R.1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act;
• Rising labor and operational costs; and
• Slower growth in local revenues.

In response to these challenges, the Board of Supervisors has placed a five-year, 5/8-cent general-purpose sales tax measure on the June ballot. If approved by voters and authorized by the state, the measure is projected to generate approximately $150 million annually to help stabilize services during this period of transition. (See related article)

Regardless of the outcome, the County expects to make budget adjustments in future years to ensure ongoing revenues match expenditures.

“The Recommended Budget reflects years of ongoing review and refinement of County operations as we respond to changing economic conditions,” said County Administrator Monica Nino. “We continue to find ways to deliver services more efficiently and cost-effectively while maintaining service levels for our community. This work is made possible by our dedicated workforce, strong partnership among our Department Heads, and a continued commitment to sound fiscal management and disciplined decision-making as we adapt to ongoing challenges.”

More details about the County’s strategic plan, General Purpose Revenue allocations, budgeted positions, and key budget issues are provided in the FY26-27 Recommended Budget book.

The Board meeting agenda will be available at: https://contra-costa.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. The budget discussion is scheduled to continue at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28. Budget adoption is scheduled for the Board’s meeting on Tuesday, May 19.

Cleanups at Nick Rodriguez Community Center and Antioch Skatepark then plant a tree on Arbor Day; participate in the #KeepAntiochBeautiful Photo Raffle

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

From Earth Day to Arbor Day, let’s work together to build a stronger, cleaner, more beautiful Antioch! Starting Earth Day, join us as we begin our service to the community. Gather friends and family to brainstorm a beautification project for your home, neighborhood, classroom, or local business, and put it into action! Don’t forget to capture your efforts with a photo and send to the Antioch Recreation Department! On Arbor Day, join our Parks and Rec Department as we plant trees at a local park. Be part of the volunteers who will serve in downtown Rivertown at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center and at the Antioch Skatepark in Prewett Community Park before enjoying a volunteer lunch.

What Is Earth Day?

First held globally on April 22, 1970, Earth Day promotes worldwide demonstrations of support for environmental protection. Attention is drawn to the achievements made by the environmental protection movement and awareness is brought to methods of protecting the Earth’s natural resources. Celebrated by billions around the world, Keep Antioch Beautiful is just one of the ways our community celebrates Earth Day.

What Is Arbor Day?

First celebrated in the U.S. in 1872, Arbor Day encourages public attention to the importance of trees in our ecosystem. Planting, relocating, and even climbing trees are encouraged, along with learning more about the myriad of ways trees function in our environment and help us all to exist.

Join us for Arbor Day 2026 as we come together to plant trees and invest in a greener future.

Plant a tree. Grow our future! Friday, April 24, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

This Year’s Community Services

• Trash Cleanup at Nick Rodriguez Community Center
• Landscaping Projects at the Antioch Skatepark in Prewett Community Park
• Plant Trees for Arbor Day at Prewett Community Park
• Join the Social Media Photo Raffle

Note: Please bring work gloves.

#KeepAntiochBeautiful Photo Raffle

From Earth Day (April 22, 2026) to Arbor Day (April 24, 2026), show us how you and your family #KeepAntiochBeautiful. Post a picture of you, your family, friends, or coworkers performing an act of beautification for the city with the hashtag #KeepAntiochBeautiful and tag the Antioch Recreation Department (@antiochrec_ca) to be entered into our raffle. On Arbor Day, three lucky entries will be chosen to each win a prize dedicated to them and their efforts toward the beautification of our lovely city!

Sponsored in part by Antioch Rotary Club, Rotary Club of the Delta-Antioch and Celebrate Antioch Foundation.

Click to Register for all three activities.

For more information visit Keep Antioch Beautiful | Antioch, CA

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Deadline: May 4th to register to show your creations

By Cheyenne Erickson, CEO, Contra Costa Fair & Event Park

Calling all crafters, bakers, photographers, plant lovers, sewers and more—this is your time to shine! Enter your creations and be part of the 2026 Contra Costa County Fair, May 14-17.

Divisions for EVERYONE:

• Youth

• Adult

• Classroom (open to any group or class!)

Sign up now on the Showman App!

https://www.contracostafair.com/exhibitors

Need help or have questions? We’ve got you covered—join us during office hours every Tuesday & Thursday 9am-4pm for entry assistance and support.

Questions? Email us at exhibits@ccfair.org.

The Contra Costa Event Park & Fairgrounds are located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch.

We can’t wait to see what you bring to the Fair!

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