City manager previews FY2026 budget process and highlights capital projects

City Manager Alex Henderson briefed the Kingsburg City Council on March 5 about progress on fiscal year 2025 capital improvement projects and the process for developing the FY2026 budget.

Henderson said the city provides a status worksheet of council-adopted capital improvement projects (projects defined as one-time efforts over $5,000). Among items he highlighted were a recently awarded contract for a space needs assessment for a potential new City Hall, an ongoing facade and alley improvement grant program, street and waterline projects completed last summer, and a multi-year fire engine replacement with delivery expected in April pending inspection.

“Staff has been engaged in that,” Henderson said, describing the budget development process and noting staff will bring more detailed presentations on different portions of the budget in upcoming meetings. He said the city is in year two of a general plan update and that notable completed street projects included Fifteenth, Sixteenth and Seventeenth Avenues and Draper Street.

Henderson also reported the police department completed its body-worn and dash camera program under Measure E funding and that the city is performing water system work including hydrant replacements and residential turf conversions tied to water conservation. He noted a pending water rate study and ongoing public works maintenance such as cleanup at the floating boat barn.

Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about timing for specific projects. In response to a council question, a design consultant said alley improvements between Fourteenth and Tenth would be bid toward the beginning of next month with work scheduled for summer. Henderson said staff will bring individual items back for council consideration if members request more detail.