Council delays budget adoption, forms ad hoc subcommittee after residents urge outreach and service-saving measures
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Summary
Council continued consideration of the fiscal year 2025–26 budget, appointed an ad hoc committee to refine the proposal, and heard numerous public comments urging more outreach, alternatives to tax increases and prioritization of parks and youth programs.
The South Gate City Council agreed June 24 to continue action on the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 municipal budget and created an ad hoc budget subcommittee after extended public comment urging greater outreach and exploration of alternatives to tax increases.
Council voted to continue the item and appointed Councilman Ben Rios and Councilwoman Pilar Avalos to the ad hoc committee; the motion passed on a recorded vote. The proposed budget that staff circulated totals $304,308,267 across all funds; council also discussed establishing an appropriations limit of $110,869,454 for FY 2025–26.
Residents urged more transparency and community input before finalizing any revenue measures. Speakers representing parents, coaches and park users said proposed cuts — including reduced pool hours and potential reduction of youth sports seasons — would hurt children and seniors. “If we don't take care of our kids and give them sports to resort to, they're gonna be out in the streets,” said resident Daniel Gonzalez, a longtime coach.
Several speakers, including a resident who said she had contacted regional funders, urged the council to add a splash pad to the city's capital project list so the city could pursue an expected competitive grant program from the Regional Park and Open Space District. One resident said the district will open grants in July with $50 million available and recommended the city fund plan and design work during the current fiscal year to qualify for future construction funding.
City staff said no presentation would be made at the June 24 meeting; the item was continued to allow additional outreach and follow-up. The city clerk read several written comments opposing employee raises and urging budget restraint; residents also asked for improved online notice of hearings and better access for those who cannot attend in person.
The council instructed staff to continue budget discussions with the ad hoc committee; Councilmembers and staff also said they would provide information about options to balance services, possible non-tax revenue, and outreach plans for community hearings and materials. No final revenue or service-reduction decisions were made at the June 24 meeting.
Separately that same night the council recognized the city's new administrative services director, Louis Frosto, who introduced himself and noted he will present a budget overview at the regular meeting later in the evening.