As Santa Maria stands at a pivotal point, the City Council welcomed back its mayor and a council member along with a political newcomer during Tuesday night’s reorganizational meeting.

Mayor Alice Patino and District 1 Councilman Carlos Escobedo began their new four-year terms, while Gloria Flores, a retired principal, joined the dais Tuesday after besting District 2 incumbent Mike Cordero in the Nov. 5 election.

Near the start of the meeting, the panel also bid farewell to Cordero, a retired police lieutenant. He spent 12 years on the council starting in 2008 and was recognized with a proclamation of appreciation.

After taking the oath of office with her four grandchildren nearby and other family members in the audience, Patino spoke about the work awaiting the council for Santa Barbara County’s largest city.

“We have a great city. We have so much to do because we have to figure out how we’re going to grow, where we’re going to put all the schools,” Patino said. “We’re going to have to allow for about 30,000 more people coming to our community whether we like it or not.”

In addition, the city’s leaders will need to figure out new housing, shopping and parks. 

“We have a lot of things to do, the five of us sitting up here, in the next few years,” she said.

Patino has served on the City Council since 2000 and began wielding the gavel as the city’s first female mayor in 2012.

Escobedo took the oath of office for his second four-year term on the council followed by Flores, who had the oath administered by San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow. 

“I’m truly honored to once again be given the responsibility to be your voice on this council,” Escobedo said. “And I will continue to work on your requests, defend your interests and promote the improvements that we need to make the city a better place for our families.”

Like the other winners, Flores thanked voters plus friends and family for their support.

“I’m ready to work,” Flores said.

Both Patino and Flores begin their new terms after getting the most votes individually in their races, but not the support of the majority of those who cast ballots. 

Patino received 43.8%, while the three other candidates had 55.9%. Likewise, Flores received 35%, while Cordero and another challenger, Benjamin Ortiz, together had nearly 65%. 

The meeting also marked the first for new City Manager David Rowlands, who arrived in Santa Maria after leading Fillmore in Ventura County.

In addition to preparing for growth, the city faces a huge budget deficit that will lead to tough decisions about whether to make cuts or boost revenue. The council will take up the issue in February. 

Santa Maria’s also dealing with significant labor disputes as firefighters battle for wage increases. Santa Maria Firefighters Local 2020 poured thousands of dollars into campaigns, endorsing three candidates — none of whom won.

While residents have spoken out in favor of firefighters, the council has remained mostly mum.

City Attorney Thomas Watson said the firefighters had filed a complaint with the Public Employees Retirement System alleging a violation by the city. That, in turn, stalled the mediation process, he contended, adding that firefighters could withdraw the violation allegation to allow mediation to move forward.

“At this point, the city cannot move forward,” Watson said, “and I would not recommend it.”