El Mirage council adopts $114.162 million fiscal 2025-26 spending limit

The El Mirage Common Council on May 20 adopted the final budget spending limitation for fiscal year 2025-26, setting the maximum expenditure limitation at $114,162,000 by approving Resolution R25-5510 during a special meeting called immediately after a public hearing on the tax levy and final budget.

City staff summarized the budget during the public hearing, noting the final budget represents about a 3% decrease from the prior year and explained fund and department changes: irrigation fund closed and rolled into water; streets fund restructured; the primary property tax rate decreased by 0.0508 with that portion restricted for public safety; the secondary rate decreased by 0.0974 and is statutorily restricted to bonded debt. Staff said residential portion of the tax composition decreased by about 4% and, on average, residents will see a property tax decrease. Staff also noted transfers required by a utility rate study and that capital and personnel services make up roughly 65% of citywide expenditures.

After closing the public hearing, the council convened into a special meeting and a motion to finally determine and adopt the FY2025-26 proposed spending limitation of $114,162,000 passed 5-2. The council will formally adopt the property tax levy on June 3 as required by notice and statute.

Macy presented the budget summary to council during the public hearing. Council members publicly thanked staff; one councilmember noted the city has reduced its tax rate for several consecutive years. The adopted spending limitation sets the maximum the city may legally expend in the fiscal year; actual expenditures will depend on subsequent appropriations and project-level council approvals.