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San Juan Capistrano adopts FY 2025-26 budget and forms mayoral subcommittee to study traffic solutions
Summary
Council adopted the FY 2025-26 operating and capital budget, directed surplus funds toward capital projects, and appointed a mayoral subcommittee (Mayor Pro Tem John Campbell and Council member Hart) to brainstorm traffic solutions with citizen input and coordination with OCTA.
San Juan Capistrano The City Council unanimously adopted the fiscal year 2025-26 operating and capital budget on June 17 and directed surplus general-fund resources toward capital priorities while forming a mayoral subcommittee to study traffic solutions.
Chief Financial Officer Ken Alemam presented the proposed budget, saying the general fund showed a projected $2.6 million surplus and a fund balance more than $5 million over reserve targets. Council directed staff during prior meetings to apply surplus funds toward capital facilities, beginning with major arterial street rehabilitation; other prioritized projects include gym renovations, Forrester Street improvements, new city hall funding and bridge assessment and repairs.
The budget package before the council also included an updated seven-year capital improvement program and Measure M reporting required by the Orange County Transportation Authority. Staff recommended establishing the general-fund reserve target at 50% of operating budget, appropriating $250,000 for city hall design in FY 2024-25, and authorizing minor administrative actions including continuing the County of Orange agreement for animal care services.
During discussion Council member Campbell and others raised persistent West Side traffic concerns. Campbell proposed a mayoral-appointed subcommittee to explore creative short- and long-term traffic solutions, engage stakeholders and coordinate with OCTA. Mayor Bourne separated the motions so the council could vote on the budget first; the council unanimously approved the budget and then agreed to form the mayoral subcommittee, appointing Mayor Pro Tem John Campbell and Council member Hart. Mayor Bourne said public participants could be invited to brainstorm and staff would provide logistical support when required.
The budget adoption clears the way for planned capital investments and directs staff to return with project implementation details as needed.
