Fullerton adopts balanced FY2025–26 budget, adds $200,000 to open main library on Sundays

The Fullerton City Council adopted the City’s FY2025–26 operating and capital budget on June 3 after staff presentations, two public budget workshops and extended public comment.

Interim Director of Administrative Services Kingsley and the budget manager summarized the proposal: the all‑funds budget totals about $270.5 million, the general fund totals roughly $137.8 million and the proposed capital improvement program is about $32.2 million. Staff said the package meets the city’s 17% contingency reserve target while showing a projected operating deficit of roughly $3.55 million that would be covered in the near term by available reserves.

"The good news is you have a balanced budget," the interim director said in presenting the packet, noting council direction earlier in the process and steps staff took to reduce general fund support for some IT projects to shrink the shortfall.

Public commenters urged priorities including street repairs, expanded library hours and homelessness services. During deliberations the council approved a motion to reallocate $200,000 to open the main library for Sunday hours (estimated by library staff to cost about $200,000 to staff a limited Sunday 1–5 p.m. service); that amendment passed on a 4–1 vote with Mayor Jung recording the lone no vote.

Council also directed staff to return with any needed reallocations or grant offsets for cost increases arising from external partnerships (including homeless shelter agreements) and to continue outreach on major capital projects. The council approved the budget and the related appropriations‑limit resolution by roll call and continued a pulled consent item (Huntington Library furniture appraisal) to the next meeting for follow‑up.