Lemoore council adopts $61.4 million budget for 2025–26, keeps general fund structurally balanced
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Summary
The Lemoore City Council adopted the fiscal 2025–26 operating budget on June 3, approving a citywide plan with $49.6 million in projected revenue and $61.4 million in expenditures and a structurally balanced general fund projected to end the year with $13.46 million.
The Lemoore City Council adopted its fiscal year 2025–26 operating budget on June 3, voting to approve Resolution 2025‑21 after a series of five budget workshops.
Finance Director Jocelyn Valdez presented the recommended budget, saying the proposed citywide budget includes $49.6 million in revenue and $61.4 million in expenditures. Valdez told the council the general fund — the city’s primary operating fund — was projected to bring in $18.4 million and to expend about $18.1 million in 2025–26, leaving the general fund structurally balanced in the coming fiscal year. She reported an estimated unaudited reserve of $13.1 million and projected the reserve to be $13.46 million at fiscal‑year end.
Valdez highlighted budget priorities that include public-safety investments (additional block cameras, equipment and fair wages for officers), infrastructure and capital improvements (road rehabilitation, water and sewer upgrades, facility maintenance), economic development and expanded community services. She noted the largest general-fund revenue sources are property tax ($3.7 million) and other taxes ($2.7 million) including sales and the new Measure S 1% transaction tax passed by voters in November 2024; the city expects the first Measure S distribution in July 2025.
The presentation incorporated negotiated labor items, a 2% cost‑of‑living adjustment across the board, and reallocation of two truck leases from general fund to the wastewater enterprise fund. Valdez said personnel and operating changes left a positive balance of about $316,000 in the general fund for fiscal 2025–26.
After a brief public comment period and questions from council members, Council Member Brewster moved to adopt the budget and Council Member Cruz seconded. The council voted unanimously, 4‑0, to adopt Resolution 2025‑21.
Valdez told the council a comprehensive fee study for user fees is budgeted for the upcoming fiscal year and will be presented to the council in spring 2026, with any recommended fee changes effective July 1, 2026. The finance director emphasized a conservative revenue forecast and the city’s continued emphasis on healthy reserves and compliance with state and federal requirements.
The council's adoption authorizes the city manager and staff to implement the budget’s appropriations and capital projects for FY 2025–26.