Chino council adopts midterm FY24–25 budget update and sets appropriations limit; Measure V revenue cited as key

At its Jan. 21 meeting, the Chino City Council unanimously approved a midterm fiscal‑year 2024–25 budget update and adopted an appropriations limit resolution following a staff presentation on updated revenues, staffing adjustments and capital projects.

City Manager Linda Reich and finance consultant June Overholt presented the midterm update. Overholt summarized changes since the initial two‑year budget adopted in June 2023: audit adjustments to beginning fund balance, correction of a misallocated pension note, staffing additions and classification/compensation changes, and inclusion of Measure V sales tax receipts. She said the adopted 2023 budget had forecast about a $7 million deficit; the midterm update projects approximately a $150,000 surplus for the two‑year period.

Overholt told council staff expects roughly $28 million in Measure V sales tax receipts for the current fiscal year and recommended spending $26 million of that amount, allocating about 40% to operations and 60% to capital projects. The capital improvement program totals about $115 million after adding roughly $38 million in new projects; staff said $76 million of projects were previously approved. Overholt said about $15 million of the new total is expected to be funded through Measure V and general‑fund sources.

Council discussion focused on presentation of multi‑year capital costs and clarity about projected spending. The mayor raised concerns about large lump sums shown in fiscal year 2026–27 for street and storm‑drain programs and asked that staff add footnotes and multi‑year breakdowns so the summary does not suggest impossible single‑year expenditures. Overholt and Reich said staff would add clarifying notes, break large projects into multi‑year schedules as planning is finalized and carry forward 5‑ and 10‑year projections for the capital program.

Reich and Overholt also described recommended staffing changes that convert some part‑time roles to full‑time and add positions to right‑size operations. Council members praised staff work and the passage of Measure V, which council members said has materially improved the city’s fiscal outlook.

Action: Council adopted Resolution No. 2025‑6 (midterm budget update for FY 2024–25) and Resolution No. 2025‑7 (appropriations limit for FY 2024–25) by unanimous vote. A motion to approve came from Councilperson Comstock, seconded by Councilperson Lucio; the council voted unanimously to adopt both resolutions.

Ending: Staff will implement midterm changes, pursue a mid‑year review with an audit update planned for March, and return with the FY25–26 budget process and a council workshop on priorities.