In a recent special council meeting held on March 8, 2025, in Hayward City, significant discussions centered around the transition in the finance department and the implications for the city's fiscal future. The meeting highlighted the appointment of Sharif Edmond as the new finance director on a limited-term basis, a move aimed at ensuring stability and continuity within the department during a period of change.

The finance department plays a crucial role in maintaining the city's operations, focusing on transparency and fiscal sustainability. The department manages a substantial budget exceeding $400 million and oversees various functions, including payroll for over 900 employees, financial reporting, and vendor payments. The meeting underscored the importance of these operations in building trust with the community and aligning resources with strategic priorities.

A key highlight from the meeting was the overwhelming support from residents for Measure K-one, which received an 83.13% approval rate. This measure extends the existing half-cent sales tax for another 20 years, ensuring continued funding for essential services such as emergency response and infrastructure improvements. The council also discussed recent accomplishments, including a successful general fund work session that allowed council members to share their priorities for future financial planning.

Looking ahead, the finance department aims to adopt a balanced budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, focusing on both expenditure and revenue strategies to strengthen fund reserves. Plans for enhancing financial reporting and transparency were also discussed, with an emphasis on modernizing financial systems to improve efficiency and accuracy. The transition within the finance department has raised concerns about morale, but communication efforts have been praised, and feedback from staff has been actively sought to guide leadership decisions.

As Hayward City navigates these changes, the discussions from the special council meeting reflect a commitment to fiscal responsibility and community engagement, setting the stage for a more sustainable financial future. The council's next steps will involve implementing the proposed budget strategies and continuing to foster collaboration within the finance department.