[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6554460,"mediaKeyId","5023828-82d67bd8894269b2e29e42b98020c97b","parentId",5023828,"title","Walnut Creek adopts FY26–27 operating and capital budgets and master fee schedule; council approves limited manager authority changes","audioSeconds",1907,"startMs",7756000,"endMs",9663000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5023828-82d67bd8894269b2e29e42b98020c97b&start=7756&end=9663","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5023828-82d67bd8894269b2e29e42b98020c97b/thumbnail_7756000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6554460/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Walnut-Creek-adopts-FY2627-operating-and-capital-budgets-and-master-fee-schedule-council-approves-limited-manager-authority-changes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554460-e00b5bc289fc0b27ee73eeb85db4b057/orig.mp4?Expires=1771222429&Signature=jAbGUHqaJq2xEF8ejgjhUyrSBMARtQqdp11SDrV5RUH6qnf~L1OaHHdKm7v7N6a3R8~Hd4y87RyW6dI8~LAsdTlgoCfD2MJ93Xk3Wp4wmjhAQIzwTWc9PZdWu1P6ZofkG7mHKzdTQtJDsVFEaBQCVGhjr~HM7WaEQuRvDpZXg5vhI3WzPGWm6oiW7Z3ys3qgO-1QhPa8-9QW~eZfwKkKdg8f23FpPow40iMP-5~ILk7R1ValP79g1Y21Mf0P4j6jgs6IRHt6gkGzE3UeTuFRE6F5Icb0wDSAJXBC31OcjapDKGCIVeTonaAk4vsvEMrxKuzHP0apJyeqmG~rgYYddw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Walnut Creek, CA","date","2025-06-18T21:22:28Z","article","The Walnut Creek City Council adopted the proposed FY2026–27 operating and capital budgets, approved changes to the master fee schedule, and adopted related budget resolutions on June 17.

Budget Manager Mindy Azzavito presented highlights, including a $3.0 million planned use of pension resources over two years, a recommended use of general fund contingency for the General Plan update, and capital investments financed in part by Measure O and anticipated grants. Staff described a multi‑year Heather Farm Aquatic and Community Center project in the capital plan and discretionary projects such as traffic and pedestrian improvements.

Council reviewed adjustments to fees and charges across arts and recreation, community development (permit, planning and inspection fees), public works and general government. Staff said many fee changes are designed to better align fees with actual costs and that a more comprehensive fee study is planned for the coming year. Councilmembers asked for and received clarification that fee increases aim at cost recovery rather than profit, and staff said the city will balance cost recovery decisions with policy choices about accessibility and development incentives.

The council also approved modest changes to the budget resolutions, including increasing the city manager’s limit to approve operating transfers up to $124,999 to align with procurement signature authority and allowing the city manager to increase appropriations for unanticipated donations or reimbursements and to return completed capital project funds to source for future reappropriation.

Council and the finance committee acknowledged the long process of identifying necessary reductions and preserving key priorities; several members praised staff for minimizing disruptions while addressing a tight revenue outlook. The council adopted the budget and associated resolutions unanimously.

Staff will continue regular monitoring of state and federal revenue developments and report back to council on changes that affect the budget.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Walnut Creek City Council: June 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council adopted the city’s two‑year operating and capital budgets, master fee schedule adjustments and several budget resolutions, including an increase in the city manager’s one‑time transfer authority; fee study and future monitoring were discussed.","taxTitle","Walnut Creek City, Contra Costa County, California","taxId",5541,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6554465,"Council adopts CDBG 2025–2030 consolidated plan and FY26 action plan with caveat to revisit homeless services funding if state money falls short",2156,5489000,7645000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5023828-82d67bd8894269b2e29e42b98020c97b&start=5489&end=7645","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5023828-82d67bd8894269b2e29e42b98020c97b/thumbnail_5489000.jpg","/articles/6554465/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Council-adopts-CDBG-20252030-consolidated-plan-and-FY26-action-plan-with-caveat-to-revisit-homeless-services-funding-if-state-money-falls-short","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554465-e35718ec4dfca571a190e76ae9972c1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771222429&Signature=k2Km2VSnho19JsejLWR1C65~aCkw4gwqzjKyskrPuuWwOhsoj0LnEDBrNwANhcn8iAPr47nQFnytA5O3i4bBLZzJPjpxFIJ0DglQpB7zQmqqmme8BTItteMV-0tQ9I6Iqa3-EgEmQfdp0YSgbASBsO8molnVBoBjrsqmzLC3YNw0Y~itvkAIsnmoSyJ9m5QXqaqaTagtSWYraM5AfWuTnp8JYc-4ykHBRcWHKqAnZKgjT4tOTBr5Kv4zy8UXx4MatM2MTtjW0onIbU3xoaq5o9oH54OOCfFijCEBeEVSpoAfomiEz1Hei3S3wBkPP4~wEwRDzqlJghMbL~Zo7KG3sw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Walnut Creek City Council on June 17 adopted the Contra Costa Consortium’s draft 2025–2030 consolidated plan and the FY2026 annual action plan for the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and approved the city’s FY26 community grant funding plan. Council and staff emphasized uncertainty in state housing funding (PLHA) and the newly eligible Pro Housing Incentive Program (PIP) and placed conditions on awards for homeless services if anticipated state funds do not materialize.

Housing planner Allison (presenting as Lisonbee Rustic) reviewed the needs assessment and draft priorities, emphasizing continued focus on affordable units for seniors, people with disabilities and people who are or were experiencing homelessness; non‑housing needs such as mental health, nutrition, job training, and transportation; and continuation of prior priorities.

The city received 24 applications for FY26 funding: 20 community service applications and 4 economic‑development requests. The consolidated funding recommendation would fund returning programs, including CORE (outreach/navigation) and Trinity Center (day services and workforce development), and restore Choice in Aging as a recipient based on capacity. Staff noted a projected gap of about $145,000 to sustain homeless services because PLHA allocations have declined in recent years (from as high as ~$236,000 in earlier years to $90,000 in the most recent allocation) while provider requests rose with inflation and program expansion.

Staff said the city applied for PIP (a new state program tied to SB 2 fee revenues) and could be eligible for up to $1,000,000; PIP awards were expected to be announced later in the month. The Housing and Community Development Committee recommended adopting the draft consolidated plan and funding recommendations, with two caveats: (1) if state funding (PLHA/PIP) is greater or less than expected, staff should return with revised recommendations; and (2) if the city receives no PLHA or PIP funding, staff should proceed with the funding plan but postpone fully awarding Trinity Center and CORE until alternate local funding sources are identified.

Trinity Center representatives and other applicants spoke in support of funding. Trinity Center described expanded daytime services, workforce development that connects clients to local employers, and the role of city funding in leveraging county and philanthropic resources. Choice in Aging and other nonprofits thanked the council for support of licensed vocational care and other programs.

Council voted to adopt the consolidated plan and FY26 action plan and approved the funding plan with the caveats and asked staff to return promptly if state allocations are confirmed differently; council also directed staff to prepare advocacy letters to local state representatives urging PLHA/PIP appropriations.

The action permits the city to submit HUD required consolidated plan documents by the July 13 deadline and to move forward with the FY26 grant allocations while preserving a mechanism to revisits awards if state funding shortfalls occur.","Council approved the five‑year consolidated plan and fiscal‑year 2026 action plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and the city’s community grant funding plan, but added caveats directing staff to return with revised recommendations if PLHA/PIP or other state funds are less than expected.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6554470,"Council confirms 3% assessment for Walnut Creek Tourism Business Improvement District for FY26",190,4779000,4969000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5023828-82d67bd8894269b2e29e42b98020c97b&start=4779&end=4969","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5023828-82d67bd8894269b2e29e42b98020c97b/thumbnail_4779000.jpg","/articles/6554470/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Council-confirms-3-assessment-for-Walnut-Creek-Tourism-Business-Improvement-District-for-FY26","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554470-a11d775d8e8896e7b1700497bbbe391a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771222429&Signature=MJjQG7wm49bqPhxa6VGMZuABy2BngpeddqEYmWCzCqfIRErjZhnm65I0HkF7N5uWTQnltZQLwNbZZpZhXlFwVUTtX1L4pLictdUM8mQ3t4z-Kpr-IPgQ6d9kDo-etzmNjMczdWry-6BNbCVRttWRvKYHwl7IevBO-woegRTvqnqewH8NFZ0bTVMkUFWj4p2wgyjltVCOUkAcj7tBKXlXVjegMHeugqEsNNorKcXt7OXYLoZtbQrXcDREEv4JEfn74xIjqFFZCuMa24f3dpH~jlCa50SuShRB04TK~dZ5uXC4AJiGswkGvqngVYw98X2VF2gP1xzOnMB-jNybGqLoKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Walnut Creek City Council on June 17 adopted a resolution approving a 3% assessment for the Walnut Creek Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) for fiscal year 2026 after staff reported no written protests had been received from assessed properties.

Assistant City Manager Charles Cheng presented the item and said the council previously adopted a resolution of intent to levy the assessment; the TBID consists of eight member properties and no opposition was reported. The council conducted a public hearing and received no oral protests.

A motion to adopt the resolution confirming the assessment carried unanimously on roll call. Council members expressed appreciation for TBID work; no financial details beyond the 3% assessment rate were discussed in the public hearing.

Because no majority protest was filed, the council confirmed the levy as required by the process for assessments under the city’s procedure. The resolution authorizes staff to proceed with TBID collection consistent with applicable city procedures.","After no protests, the council adopted a resolution confirming a 3% assessment for the city’s Tourism Business Improvement District for fiscal year 2026.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6554475,"Walnut Creek approves new parking‑meter credit‑card processor to cut per‑transaction fees",429,5574000,6003000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5023828-82d67bd8894269b2e29e42b98020c97b&start=5574&end=6003","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5023828-82d67bd8894269b2e29e42b98020c97b/thumbnail_5574000.jpg","/articles/6554475/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Walnut-Creek-approves-new-parkingmeter-creditcard-processor-to-cut-pertransaction-fees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554475-39e264bef175d8b4339a3d1d85feac28/orig.mp4?Expires=1771222429&Signature=eq-ij5UJJ81~RYvnCk2lO1gA5e-XyNmRs6fKu5Ovk-nIh-z8hQgHIUBhC0~p-of5oFnihcjNjufuHtd9Msww07YneUywDychYwbXuLQHDMMb1SOUMfF3KkbDghbdojf0pUdHI3Z49zp4EiJq-oyIy5Syly1qLo8h5tsWGSxchrm0tub~OLlHJnL6XMqJJUmDiAfuXtmS3upg32svvMU18C0IjI~en6GAxBEwFLDxlEwxRqeg9Sz5UZ6wjCcI6zqAcRc7YaOs1ml5mij9Ky-wLZ7xkp33s1hl2aEK7dh3zPeklzmnx65m7K7CJlCrREGZifnglsob365ZPs2IdO0cXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Walnut Creek City Council voted June 17 to authorize the city manager to enter into an agreement with AMG for merchant processing services for on‑street parking meters and pay stations downtown.

City staff told the council current per‑transaction processing costs for small transactions are roughly $0.94. The vendor under contract would reduce that to about $0.23 per transaction. Staff said AMG specializes in low‑dollar transactions (under $10) and that they have solicited references from other cities and found positive feedback.

Council members pressed staff on whether AMG provides other municipal payment services that the city could use. Staff said the company’s specialty is small‑dollar transactions and they are still assessing whether the service could be expanded to other city payment streams.

There was no public opposition at the meeting. The motion to authorize the city manager to enter into the agreement passed unanimously on roll call.","Council authorized the city manager to contract with AMG for merchant processing of parking meter credit‑card transactions after staff said the vendor will lower per‑transaction cost from about $0.94 to $0.23.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6554480,"Walnut Creek council approves 5‑year license for Heather Farm Equestrian Center after public outcry to preserve facility",5148,1522000,6670000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5023828-82d67bd8894269b2e29e42b98020c97b&start=1522&end=6670","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5023828-82d67bd8894269b2e29e42b98020c97b/thumbnail_1522000.jpg","/articles/6554480/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Walnut-Creek-council-approves-5year-license-for-Heather-Farm-Equestrian-Center-after-public-outcry-to-preserve-facility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6554480-17c8de4cc72a68689b2cf79af4b0cb8c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771222429&Signature=EQuE8IDi~bQ8fQfVzOmt2Stxp0eMfTKj6--R9ao1VB2LqN8AbUkn6YZafgoKa6xD3aV9STfJZV4wlnlxjrDoO9nPJJTSOcMC2wjZ9lQfRScVV7VlDVM~x0J5UTBjhxxGYPTonWgvnYOCVQgb-MPV5AprTq2vWQqkdBTZw8WwiaOArBBsC6wHhyOkQpZl4dUo29WrgIIyjv7sWMlKUN~ZFK5pzsDwW47fJ2JF~qhobwhJOf3~8qOkRwe-qmw0nKrvwzc71BKjobl6SWrSlAw8eN0ACwtKV0m0e5IL4re4dLxmMyMiuiITzGOBfDOsr86O46CosCvlyytrBjZgoMaJXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Walnut Creek City Council on June 17 authorized the city manager to execute a license agreement with the Equestrian Center of Walnut Creek for the premises at 390 North San Carlos Road, approving a five‑year term with an option to extend for an additional five years and directing staff to revise the facility user application to specify that rentals be for equestrian uses only.

The vote came after roughly a dozen public speakers asked the council to preserve and fund the historic equestrian facility at Heather Farm Park. Supporters described the center’s role in introducing children and adults to horses, providing therapeutic programming for veterans and people with special needs, and hosting 4‑H, pony club and other community programs.

Council discussion focused on stewardship of the city’s equestrian asset and on operational details of the license. Rich Payne, director of public works, told the council the license covers the equestrian facilities but not the adjacent parking lot, which the city rents to the Seven Hills Ranch School during school hours. Councilmember questions prompted staff to confirm the license restricts non‑equestrian rentals and that staff will add explicit language to the user application to prevent events such as loud, non‑equestrian concerts that could upset neighbors.

Public comments were strongly in favor of renewal. Speakers included longtime members and volunteers with the Equestrian Center and related groups: Therese Capels, who described participating in lessons as an adult and the center’s benefits for veterans and disadvantaged residents; Cecily Gaut, who said the center sparks lifelong involvement with horses; youth speakers, including a 9‑year‑old who thanked the council; Lori Watase Bone, a local horse trainer; representatives from the Clayton Canyon Pony Club; and Najaf Prasad, a youth 4‑H member who said the facility was where he discovered his love of riding.

Councilmember Solis moved to authorize the agreement and to require the user application be modified to reflect equestrian use; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

The license approval allows the Equestrian Center to continue operations on city land and keeps Heather Farm Park’s equestrian arenas available for community lessons, therapeutic programs, and competitions. The council asked staff to ensure the user application language is explicit about permissible activities and to return to council if future changes would materially increase city obligations.

The action preserves a city‑owned recreational asset the speakers said is unique among California cities and drew broad community support.","The council authorized the city manager to enter an extended license agreement with the Equestrian Center of Walnut Creek for use of Heather Farm Park property, with a five‑year term and a requirement that the user application explicitly restrict rentals to equestrian uses.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Walnut Creek adopts FY26–27 operating and capital budgets and master fee schedule; council approves limited manager authority changes

Council adopts CDBG 2025–2030 consolidated plan and FY26 action plan with caveat to revisit homeless services funding if state money falls short

Council confirms 3% assessment for Walnut Creek Tourism Business Improvement District for FY26

Walnut Creek approves new parking‑meter credit‑card processor to cut per‑transaction fees

Walnut Creek council approves 5‑year license for Heather Farm Equestrian Center after public outcry to preserve facility