Newman City Council adopts FY 2025–26 budget, awards road contract and rezones sites; declares nuisance at 1343 Clove Court

The Newman City Council voted 3–0 Tuesday to adopt the city’s fiscal year 2025–26 budget and Gann appropriations limit, award a $367,645.36 contract for a 2024 slurry-seal project, approve a list of potential SB 1-funded road projects, adopt zoning changes required by the housing element and declare a public nuisance at 1343 Clove Court.

The actions complete routine year‑end budget business and advance several street‑repair projects and housing rezonings the city identified under its cycle 2023–2031 housing element. Councilmember Pimentel, Councilmember Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Ball cast all recorded votes.

Luke, the city staff member who presented the budget, told the council the city expects roughly $7.6 million in general‑fund revenues in 2025–26 and is budgeting about $8.4 million in expenditures. The presentation noted a 51% reserve at the end of the previous fiscal year and that staffing increases in the budget (nine positions) largely reflect additional volunteer firefighters rather than new full‑time hires. "We're looking at $7,600,000 coming in this year," Luke said during his overview.

Votes at a glance: - Consent calendar (multiple routine items including adoption of Resolution 2025 accepting Jensen Road improvements as complete and authorizing final payment to Rolfe Construction): adopted, roll call 3–0. - Resolution declaring public nuisance (Resolution 2025) at 1343 Clove Court under Ordinance 95‑4: adopted, roll call 3–0. Staff said the city sent initial warnings beginning in early May…