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Council reviews five‑year CIP and authorizes Grant Thornton budget advisory agreement
Summary
At a budget study session, City of Orange staff presented a five‑year capital improvement plan totaling about $120.6 million and proposed FY2026 projects of roughly $26.7 million; the council also approved a Grant Thornton advisory agreement (not to exceed $116,600) and earlier adopted an updated sewer system management plan.
City staff presented the proposed Capital Improvement Program for fiscal years 2026–2030 at a study session on April 22, reviewing roughly $120.6 million in projected investment and about $26.7 million of proposed projects for FY2026.
Finance staff said the five‑year CIP includes 69 proposed projects, with 50 requesting new funding in FY2026, 19 projecting funding requests in future years and 25 continuing projects with prior committed funding. Staff noted enterprise funds and transportation funds each represented roughly 32% of FY2026 funding, while the capital projects fund and other grants make up the remainder.
Community Services highlighted park projects including the Hart Park Pickleball and Fitness Circuit — a proposal for 10 lighted pickleball courts and supporting amenities that staff said has secured $2,000,000 in HUD community‑project grant funding — and an updated Grijalva Park master plan for which staff is pursuing an EPA brownfield grant via the Orange County Council of Governments. Staff said some new appropriations were requested for FY2026, including about $300,000 from Fund 512 and $424,125 from Fund 510 to meet local matching requirements for a potential Major League Baseball (MLB) grant for El Medina Park improvements; the grant, if awarded, could offset up to 50% of that project.
Public Works outlined roughly $23,000,000 in proposed funding for 64 projects under its management, noting an identified need of approximately $10,000,000 per year to maintain pavement in acceptable condition and describing routine programs for sewer replacement, meter replacement (about 1,800 meters per year) and a proposed Well 29 (~3,000 gallons per minute) with PFAS treatment funded by the Orange County Water District.
Separately, the council approved two formal items. The consent calendar included adoption of the updated City of Orange Sewer System Management Plan (Item 3.2) by unanimous roll call. Council also unanimously approved an agreement with Grant Thornton Advisors LLC to provide budget‑risk and economic opportunity advisory services: the base fee is $110,000 plus a 6% administrative fee, for a total not‑to‑exceed cost of $116,600. Staff said the eight‑week engagement will produce a final report, idea sessions, budget stress tests and a public communications plan.
Staff emphasized this was a study session and no final CIP adoption was required tonight; staff will return with a final budget and CIP for council consideration in May and June.
