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La Mesa adopts $145 million biennial budget; general fund set at $82.2 million
Summary
The La Mesa City Council unanimously adopted the final biennial budget Oct. 14, approving a $145 million all‑funds budget and an $82.2 million general fund for FY2025–26 and FY2026–27. The budget includes about $93.1 million in capital projects over two years and adds 15 full‑time positions, officials said.
La Mesa City Council unanimously adopted its final biennial budget for fiscal years 2025–26 and 2026–27 on Oct. 14. Finance staff presented a $145 million all‑funds budget and an $82.2 million general fund, emphasizing continued conservative fiscal management and a multi‑year capital program.
John Herrera, the finance presenter, said the total city budget is about $145 million and that the general fund totals $82.2 million. The two‑year capital improvement program totals about $93.1 million, with 71 projects spanning wastewater, transportation, storm drains, parks and other facilities; staff said $93.1 million is appropriated for construction over the next two fiscal years and that most projects are fully funded.
Herrera and city management described the budget as built on a revised budgeting/accounting system and said the city intends to continue simplifying the document for public review. The city noted it has roughly $98 million in cash for all funds (about $62 million in general fund), and that some use of fund balance is planned to support capital projects; projected net results for all funds were negative in both years because the city is using reserves for capital investments.
The budget includes 279 full‑time equivalent positions citywide and adds 15 positions over the next two years. Staff also highlighted the city’s reserve policy and said projected reserves remain above policy minimums despite planned capital spending.
Council members and the city manager praised staff work on the budget. Assistant City Manager Amanda Lee and Leslie Rowe, the council liaison credited with substantial work on the document, were both acknowledged during the presentation. The council voted to adopt the final budget unanimously; staff said the city will return in spring for a mid‑cycle review and to present the FY2025 audit and a 10‑year cash‑flow update.
No substantive amendments were made on the floor at the Oct. 14 meeting; the council’s adoption implements the previously discussed changes requested during the June preliminary budget presentation.
