Phoenix holds District 4 budget hearing as veterans, firefighters and library advocates press council on funding

PHOENIX — Residents and advocacy groups at a District 4 budget hearing urged Phoenix leaders to preserve and expand services in the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget, focusing public comments on veterans’ service officers, fire-department staffing, library materials, bike lanes and homelessness services.

The hearing reviewed the city manager’s proposed FY2025–26 “trial” budget and outlined the timeline for adoption: the proposal will be presented to the Phoenix City Council on May 6, voted on May 21 and legally adopted in June, with the city’s property tax ordinance scheduled for early July. City staff noted the proposal assumes previously approved actions, including a March 18 City Council vote that raised the city’s transaction privilege tax rate from 2.3% to 2.8%, effective July 1, 2025.

Why it matters: The budget hearing gathered stakeholders who said small-to-midsize changes in the budget will have immediate effects on emergency response times, homelessness services and access to library materials for low-income residents. Several speakers asked the council to reverse proposed cuts or add new targeted funding to avoid service disruptions.

Veterans and veterans’ groups pressed for funding to expand local claims and benefits assistance. “So we need about 8 to 10 more service officers just in Greater…