This commentary was contributed by Service Employees International Union, Local 521. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. Lea este artículo en español aquí. 

The City of Hollister is moving forward with a controversial proposal to impose a 10% citywide pay cut or initiate mass layoffs—impacting essential service workers in public safety, fire, animal care services, public works and water. This development comes despite budget expenses totalling $250,000 for the July 4th holiday parade, biker rally, and more than $6.7 million for an undisclosed sum labelled “Contractors”. 

The drastic cuts to essential service proposed by Councilmembers expose the extreme financial mismanagement — they’ve failed to produce a basic audited budget in four years, with the most recent one for 2020–2021 submitted in 2025 — while demanding frontline workers and community to prioritize their bureaucracy over public need. 

The City’s failure to comply with financial reporting requirements jeopardizes its ability to secure grant funding from external sources. In the city’s own words: “Absent timely audits, the City’s eligibility for certain grants is limited, reducing potential funding for various projects. Additionally, the City expects a decline in grant revenue due to broader federal and state economic challenges.”

Layoffs threaten to degrade emergency response times, public safety, and essential community programs at a time when Hollister needs investment — not austerity. The impacts both short and long term could be devastating. The city risks a historic exodus of dedicated workers seeking fair treatment and competitive pay. A 10% cut to public services would further strain an already overburdened workforce grappling with unmanagable workloads and a sharp rise in community service requests.

Union members from SEIU 521, IAFF Local 3395, Hollister Peace Officers Association, and concerned city residents will unite at City Hall to demand transparency, accountability, and responsible fiscal management from elected officials. Dozens of city workers are expected to turn out in force.

“How can the City claim a financial emergency when it refuses to or cannot provide a clear accounting of its own finances—going back to 2023? Our residents and workforce deserve transparency and accountability from their elected leaders. Cutting city services means cutting public safety—and that puts lives at risk. We must do better.”—Rodrigo Aguilera, SEIU 521 Member and Public Works Utility Worker, 17 years of service

WHEN: Monday, June 2, 2025, at 6:30PM

WHERE: Hollister City Hall, 375 Fifth Street. Hollister, CA 95023.

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