Hemet · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hemet public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Business license exemption for places of worship
Churches no longer have to register for a city business license, though zoning, building, fire, and safety rules still fully apply. A voluntary registration list may be maintained for community outreach.
Measure Q accountability and citizen oversight
The city council placed Measure Q on the November ballot — an extra 1% (one penny per dollar) sales tax for the city's general fund. The library currently gets about 3% of the city budget and could see more if it passes. Info sessions are set for September 26 and October 15 at the library.
Motel transient occupancy tax audits
A new state law lets the city get Airbnb/VRBO data directly — staff estimate roughly a hotel's worth of short-term rentals operate in Hemet — so operators can be forced to get permits and pay the same lodging taxes as hotels.
Rising animal control costs and possible regional joint venture
Mayor Pro Tem Males proposed Hemet create its own animal control and partner with Beaumont and neighboring cities through a JPA, potentially cutting the roughly $1.5 million the city pays the county to under $1 million.
SAFER grant extension saves general fund $1.2 million
The federal SAFER grant funding fire positions was extended through February 28, 2027, lifting about $1.2 million off the general fund deficit; the general fund will cover those positions from March through June 2027.
Liability insurance premium surge
Hemet's liability insurance premiums have jumped about 579% since 2022-23, with claims costs rising from $1 million to a projected $3 million. A cheaper renewal option came in $500,000 under budget, and a second option could save another $945,000 but carries more risk; the council will decide.
London Spires Mobile Home Community rent increase review
Hemet's rent review commission for mobile home parks finally has members — the panel that hears tenant and park-owner rent disputes sat empty since 2009. A former commissioner warned the ordinance makes it hard for tenants to petition and it has never upheld a grievance.
New Tyler permitting software launch
The city is replacing its 20-year-old permit system with Tyler software going live July 27, 2026, enabling online applications for the first time. Commissioners worried about the 10-year, $2.6 million contract and cybersecurity at launch.
Charter city / prevailing wage
Mayor Pro Tem Males wants to tackle prevailing wage costs, which he says nearly quadrupled street costs per mile. The city attorney explained the only path is becoming a charter city, which requires a voter-approved charter and public outreach.
$10 Million Budget Gap
The city manager told the council Hemet must solve a roughly $10 million budget shortfall by the end of June. Every idea in the workshop has to be affordable or cost-neutral, and positions may be frozen or cut.
CDBG funding for housing and homelessness services
Hemet's $924,303 federal community development grant for 2026-27 was approved, funding nonprofits like High Expectations Development Corporation that house homeless families.