County forgoes program that would pinch rural owners
The San Benito County Board of Supervisors decided against implementing a change to the Williamson Act that would have brought in $230,000 in revenue to the county coffers while decreasing property tax savings by 10 percent for rural landowners who have contracts within the provision that allows for discounted tax rates in prime agricultural regions.
City broaches $3M in cuts without sales tax extension
Hollister officials Wednesday reviewed the city manager's "austerity plan" involving about $3 million in annual cuts that would be necessary if a Measure T sales tax extension fails at the polls.
Council appoints Friend as mayor, Scattini as vice mayor
Hollister council members Monday appointed Ray Friend as mayor and Robert Scattini as vice mayor.
Impact of Hollister pay cuts remains unclear
Hollister City Council members recently approved pay cuts for employees, but did so without having financial figures attached to the reductions.
Hollister police might buy first license plate reader
The Hollister Police Department is looking to use grant funds to buy the city's first automated license plate reader.
Councilman irked by captain’s commute with police car
When Hollister Police Chief Jeff Miller considered promoting Carlos Reynoso from sergeant to one of two captain positions in April 2009, he considered whether to continue a standard practice and allow the No. 2-ranked officer access to a department-issued squad car for his commute. Reynoso's case is unlike most others because he lives outside the county about 45 miles from Hollister.
Should Hollister elect a mayor?
It has been a point of debate among Hollister residents and officials for years, but in June it looks like voters will finally get the chance to decide if they want a mayor elected by the city's entire citizenry.
Supervisors hope to streamline permit process
San Benito County planning officials presented an ordinance amending the San Benito County code pertaining to the life of use permits for commercial and industrial zones, and county supervisors adopted it at their recent meeting.
County department sets procedure to prevent late claims
San Benito County's Health and Human Services has put in place a procedure to make sure that claims for In-Home Support Services are filed in a timely manner after the State of California denied payment of claims dating back to 2007.
Former developer owes city $45K for barbed-wire fence
A former Gilroy developer who constructed a 9-foot-tall barbed wire fence around his home after he was savagely beaten in 2008 owes the City of Gilroy more than $45,000 in fees that started with a simple $200 citation for his out-of-code safety precaution.
