Council hears budget workshop: $6 million general-fund shortfall, $165M in CIP activity and proposed financial-policy package

City staff presented the city's third pre-budget workshop on July 1, summarizing preliminary revenue and expenditure estimates for fiscal year 2025-26, a portfolio of capital projects under design and construction, and a proposed set of financial-policy resolutions intended to improve discipline and transparency in future budgets.

Key budget figures and near-term picture: - Staff presented preliminary general-fund revenues around $282.5 million and proposed expenditures near $288.6 million, producing a preliminary shortfall of roughly $6 million. Staff said that figure will be refined as final appraisal values, fee studies and departmental revenue updates are received. - Staff reported the city's estimated new revenue at about 3.4% and noted that last year's general-fund increase was higher; bridge (toll) revenue experienced a recent dip tied to tariff/behavioral changes and contributed to pressure on the revenue side. - Budget staff asked council to expect further adjustments as property appraisals finalize July 25 and as staff refines fee studies (tolls, utilities) and revenue-line-item reviews (licenses, rents, fines and forfeitures).

Capital program and projects: - Staff provided a packet of projects and…