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Gardena presents proposed amended fiscal 2025–26 budget; surplus forecast trimmed
Summary
City staff presented the proposed amended FY 2025–26 biannual budget, reporting a reduced projected general‑fund surplus and a large capital improvement program. Council set a community forum for June 18 and will return for final adoption June 24.
City staff presented the proposed amended fiscal year 2025–26 budget to the Gardena City Council on May 20, describing year‑two adjustments to the biannual budget adopted in June 2024.
City Manager and Administrative Services Director Ray Beeman said the amended budget is a condensed year‑two update to the two‑year plan adopted last year. Staff reported the city still expects a general‑fund surplus for FY 2026 but that the forecast has been reduced: the previously projected surplus of $119,570 is now estimated at $73,046.
The staff presentation highlighted revenue and expenditure lines. Card Club (casino) revenues were budgeted at $19,100,000 and remain at that level in the proposed amendment; property tax was up slightly, while business license receipts are trending lower. Total all‑fund revenues were shown at about $280 million and expenditures at about $320 million; staff explained the gap is timing and reimbursement of grant‑funded capital projects.
Nut graf: The council received the budget presentation, set a public forum and said it will consider formal adoption at a subsequent meeting; the amended budget trims a previously projected general‑fund surplus and shows a large capital program with grant‑timing effects.
Staff described capital spending plans: a proposed capital improvement program of roughly $68 million overall, with more than $40 million for streets, sewer and stormwater projects and about $27 million allocated to parks and facilities including the new Aquatic Center. Staff said some projects are grant‑reimbursed and therefore the all‑funds variance largely reflects timing of reimbursements rather than unbudgeted shortfalls.
Beeman and budget staff outlined the calendar: a community forum is scheduled for June 18 at 6 p.m. at Nakaoka Community Center; the council will consider final adoption June 24. Council members asked for project work‑breakdown and timeline detail at the forum so residents can see when projects are expected to be completed and how project schedules affect cash flow.
Ending: Staff will present the amended budget for final action in June after the forum; council directed staff to provide clearer project timelines and a WBS (work breakdown structure) for major CIP items at the community meeting.
