Universal City reviews proposed FY2026 general fund budget, explains audits and schedules tax-rate steps

Universal City council members met in a July budget workshop to review the proposed FY2026 general fund, hear a citizen27s questions about past audits and set the schedule for finalizing the tax rate.

The proposed general fund revenue for FY2026 is listed in the presentation as $20,000,532.29, with tax revenue representing about 78% of that total. The administration proposed a $1 million transfer from the venue (hotel/occupancy) tax into the general fund to offset parks-related operating costs.

City Manager (unnamed) summarized the staff27s approach to the draft: no new full‑time positions were requested for FY2026; several capital requests were deferred after one-on-one council meetings. Specific items deferred include a space needs assessment, Summit Park and Skate Park planning ($90,000), and a Versa-Lift bucket truck ($180,000) with staff noting rental as an alternative. The fire department deferred purchase of a larger utility vehicle, opting for a smaller vehicle to reduce the immediate price tag. The…