Glendale Council reviews proposed budget and funding for major projects

The Special City Council meeting held on May 8, 2025, in Glendale focused on the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, highlighting key projects and financial projections. City officials presented an initial draft of the 2025-2026 budget, emphasizing that this document serves as a starting point for further discussion and refinement.

City Manager Brown outlined several significant projects, including the North Brand project, the Locker Center project, and the Artsakh Paseo, all funded through the general fund. He noted that these projects would be revisited in future study sessions, allowing council members to debate and modify the budget before final approval.

The council was informed that the proposed budget reflects a projected increase of $3.9 million in property tax revenue due to natural growth. However, sales tax revenue is expected to decline by approximately $4.3 million, a trend observed across many cities in California. This decline is attributed to the peak sales experienced during the fourth quarter of 2023, coinciding with the end of COVID-related stimulus payments.

Council members expressed the need for clarity on budget adjustments made to close financial gaps, with requests for detailed documentation on how funds were allocated. The city manager assured the council that this information would be provided.

As the council prepares for upcoming study sessions, the focus will remain on refining the budget based on the discussions and feedback from council members, ensuring that the final proposal aligns with the city's financial goals and community needs.