Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Money Approved This Meeting
$1.4B
What Happened
The Compton City Council rejected a proposed warehouse and industrial business license tax of up to $1 per square foot that would have appeared on the November 2026 ballot and was estimated to generate $10 million annually. The motion to adopt the ordinance (Item 9) died for lack of a second, and all three related resolutions (Item 8) also failed, with council members citing concerns about business retention, lack of outreach to affected businesses, no sunset clause, and comparisons to Measure P. The council also voted to extend the Charter Review Committee through December 31, 2027 — one year shorter than the requested 2028 deadline — to allow more time for public input on potential charter revisions. Three council members were approved to attend the League of California Cities conference in September.
Key Moments
City Council
Warehouse tax ordinance fails for lack of second.
City Council
All three parts of tax election resolutions fail for lack of motion.
City Council
Charter review committee term extended through December 31, 2028.
Meeting Sections
Call to Order and Roll Call
0:22:20The special city council meeting was called to order at 1:40 PM on Tuesday, August 4th. Roll call confirmed a quorum with three members present and one attempting to join online.
Closed Session Convened
0:23:34The council voted to convene closed session to discuss four items: a public employment matter for the city controller position, one existing litigation case, anticipated litigation involving potential initiation of three cases, and significant litigation exposure in three additional cases.
Closed Session Report Out
1:54:25The council reconvened at 3:09 PM. The city attorney reported that direction was given to staff on the city controller position and to legal counsel on litigation matters. No settlements were announced. Two matters were tabled for future discussion.
Public Comments on Agenda Items
1:56:54Multiple residents spoke on various topics including opposition to proposed tax measures (items 8 and 9), concerns about Flock surveillance cameras being installed at parks and boulevards, a youth organization's dispute with the city over lease payments, and a letter from Prologis opposing the proposed industrial warehouse tax. Residents urged the council not to rush tax measures and to consider impacts on business retention.
Travel Authorization for League Conference
Agenda Items
Removal of Barbara Baker from Federal Grants Advisory Board
Authorize Travel for Elected Officials to 2026 Sacramento Legislative Tour
Amend Resolution 26,357 Extending Charter Review Committee Term Through December 2028
Resolution to Place Industrial Business License Tax Measure on November 2026 Ballot
Ordinance to Submit Industrial Business License Tax Measure to November 2026 Voters
Closed Session — Legal Matters
Cases the council discussed in closed session. The public agenda only lists "Closed Session"; these specifics come from the agenda packet.
Closed Session: Anticipated Litigation — Initiation of Litigation in Three Cases
The City Council will meet in closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding the anticipated initiation of litigation in three cases, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(4).
Closed Session: Anticipated Litigation — Significant Exposure in Three Cases
The City Council will meet in closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation in three cases, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(1).
Closed Session: Public Employment — City Controller
The City Council will meet in closed session to discuss a personnel matter regarding the position of City Controller, pursuant to California Government Code section 54957(b)(1).
Existing Litigation: Henry Ramey v. City of Compton (LASC Case No. 24CMCV00194)
The City Council will meet in closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding existing litigation in the case of Henry Ramey v. City of Compton, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 24CMCV00194, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1).
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