Jurupa Valley staff ask council for direction on proposed FY 2025–26 budget as public safety costs rise

City finance staff asked the Jurupa Valley City Council on May 15 to provide direction on the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget after outlining rising public safety costs, three recommended new staff positions and a plan to set aside funds for internal service needs.

The city’s Director of Finance, Susan Paragas, told council members the proposed general fund operating revenues total about $63.5 million while operating expenditures are just under $63.4 million, producing a modest operating surplus of roughly $82,000. When one-time capital and other nonrecurring items of about $2.2 million are included, Paragas said the budget shows a net deficit of about $2.15 million for the year but leaves the city with an estimated fund balance of nearly $44.3 million on June 30, 2026.

Paragas said the largest near-term cost increases are in public safety. “One of the major expenses that have increased is our public safety costs. The sheriff's cost increased about $3,200,000 for next year,” she said, attributing the change to negotiated pay raises at the county level and to local program additions.…