Fresno council adopts balanced FY26 budget, approves $100M paving plan with $25M for other district infrastructure

The Fresno City Council on Tuesday adopted a balanced fiscal year 2026 budget and approved a resolution authorizing the use of future indebtedness to reimburse certain capital costs for the city’s “pay more now, pay later” program.

The council voted to approve the budget package identified as items A through F after a reconciliation of prior budget motions. Earlier in the special meeting the council passed a resolution stating the city’s official intent to use proceeds of future indebtedness to reimburse capital expenditures related to the paving program; that resolution passed on a 7–0 vote.

The vote on the budget follows months of hearings and 82 separate budget motions submitted by council members during the process. Mayor Dyer told the council the administration and departments had closed an initial projected $50 million shortfall and that the final package balanced the books. “And with that, I am pleased to share with all of you that the budget is back in balance, and the, total city budget now stands, overall budget is $2,363,134,100 with general fund being at 512,000,000, $879,400,” Mayor Dyer said.

Why it matters: the council reconciled dozens of member motions and used a mix of funding sources to close the gap, including general fund, special revenues, grants, enterprise funds and the new 30‑year financing program tied to the paving initiative. The council’s action both funds immediate projects and creates a financing path for $100 million of neighborhood infrastructure work over the next two years.

Key votes and motions - “Pay More Now, Pay Later” resolution (special meeting): moved by Vice President Arias and seconded by Councilmember Maxwell; outcome: passed 7–0. The resolution states the city’s official intent to use proceeds…