Hanford council adopts two‑year budget and master fee schedule; delays new tournament fee decision

Hanford City Council on Tuesday adopted a balanced two‑year city budget and the annual master fee schedule, and approved the Gann appropriations limit, after public hearings and staff presentation.

The council approved the fiscal year 2025–26 and 2026–27 budgets and a capital improvement program that staff said totals roughly $37.6 million in FY2025–26 and $44.3 million in FY2026–27. Council also adopted the master fee schedule and the annual appropriations (Gann) limit by roll‑call votes; each measure passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The budget and fee schedule set spending priorities, fund Measure H public‑safety hires and capital projects, and fix user fees and permit charges that affect residents, community groups and businesses.

Key votes and actions - Adoption of FY2025–26 and FY2026–27 biennial budget (Resolution 25‑29‑R): council voted 5–0 to adopt the two‑year budget and the capital improvement program, which includes funding for Measure H positions and city reserves. - Adoption of the master fee schedule (Resolution 25‑31‑R): council voted 5–0 to adopt updates to fees, including changes to temporary use and fireworks booth inspections (consolidated into one fee) and a number of parks and recreation fees. The council directed staff to return with a separate review of tournament fees for ballfields; staff noted they would bring comparable city fee data for council consideration. - Adoption of the Gann appropriation limit for FY2025–26 (Resolution 25‑32‑R): council voted 5–0.

Council direction on youth sports field fees Public testimony from Hanford Youth Baseball representatives and other volunteers raised concerns about new field use fees and the value of volunteer maintenance and investments made by leagues. League representatives asked for an exception to the proposed fees and for credit toward city costs for field maintenance the league performs.

City staff told the council that, per direction at the meeting, the city will not assess the new fees while staff and the league negotiate a written agreement that addresses use, maintenance credits, and equipment. Parks staff and the city manager said they would work with league leadership; Vice Mayor Paden and another councilmember offered to assist as council liaisons. The council instructed that a future agenda item compare tournament fee practices at comparable cities (Visalia, Madera, Clovis and Tulare were mentioned) before finalizing any change to tournament charges.

Other notable items - Fire department temporary use/fireworks inspection fees were consolidated into a single application and fee to reduce costs for non‑profits. Staff estimated the combined fee will save applicants roughly $137.56 compared with separate charges previously required. - Senior membership waivers were added for Longfield Center users aged 60 and older; staff said no processing fee will be charged for the identification card used for tracking.

How the votes went Roll call votes on the budget, master fee schedule, and Gann appropriation limit passed unanimously (5–0). Specific mover/second names were not recorded in the public transcript for each motion; minutes list the council members present and the roll call outcomes.

What happens next Staff will implement the adopted budget and fee changes with effective dates noted in the resolutions (most changes effective July 1 or 30 days after second reading where applicable). Staff will return with a standalone report and recommended rates for sports‑tournament field use for council consideration.