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Galt City Council adopts midterm budget adjustments, funds hydrant testing positions and capital projects
Summary
After a public hearing, the council adopted midyear adjustments to the 2025–26 budget, a five‑year capital plan and related fiscal items, including two new public‑works positions to comply with state fire‑hydrant testing requirements and use of fund balances for several utility and impact‑fee projects.
The Galt City Council voted 5-0 to adopt midterm budget adjustments for fiscal year 2025–26, approve the city’s capital improvement plan for 2026–2030, set the California constitutional appropriations limit for FY 2025–26 and adopt updates to the master fee schedule.
Staff presented a midterm budget that showed a balanced general fund and projected net use of fund balance citywide of about $12.2 million, driven largely by planned utility and impact‑fee projects. Finance staff said the use of fund balance is consistent with rate models for water, wastewater and storm drainage and with prior commitments to construct infrastructure tied to development impact fees.
Key changes the council approved included: revenue increases (largely reimbursement/grant proceeds tied to a transit center purchase), anticipated reductions in sales tax and franchise fee revenue tied to economic trends, and department line‑item adjustments. The council approved two new Public Works maintenance‑worker positions (estimated combined cost about $99,840 annually) to perform expanded hydrant testing and inspections required under recent state fire‑safety guidance; staff said the city previously relied on the fire district for some testing, but the new requirements make additional city staffing appropriate.
Budget adjustments also included multiple reclassifications (for example, a senior planner to principal planner) and modest merit and certification incentives to keep compensation competitive. In discussion, council members pressed staff on revenue assumptions, the use of one‑time reimbursement for the transit center, and the size and timing of fund balance draws; staff said some increases are reimbursement for previously incurred capital purchases delayed by a cybersecurity incident.
The public hearing drew several public questions about budget detail and cost allocations. Resident Harry Wenzel asked about access to deeper line‑item detail; staff and council responded that additional financial detail remains available on request and that the city is reviewing its cost allocation methodology to reflect operational changes. After public comment, Councilmember Pratten moved adoption of the midterm budget package; Councilmember Reid seconded. The motion passed 5-0.
