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Norwalk council adopts midyear budget amendments, projects balanced fiscal year
Summary
Council adopted Resolution 26-13 approving midyear FY 2026 budget amendments after staff reported revenues modestly exceeded projections, expenditures were under budget last year and proposed adjustments raise total appropriations to about $88 million while maintaining the city's fund balance policy.
Norwalk City Council voted on Feb. 17, 2026, to adopt Resolution 26-13, a midyear review and proposed amendments to the city's FY 2026 budget.
Finance presenter Yana Stewart told the council the city closed the prior fiscal year in a better position than anticipated: revenues came in about 2% above projections (approximately $1.4 million) and expenditures ended under budget, producing roughly $5.7 million in savings. Stewart said staff is proposing upward adjustments to revenue estimates of about $2.6 million and is recommending amendments totaling roughly $1.5 million for operations and capital outlays. She summarized that the general fund operating budget is in the $79 million range and that total revised appropriations would be about $88 million, leaving the fund balance within the city's 20% policy target at year-end.
Stewart outlined principal revenue drivers: secured property tax and vehicle-in-lieu (VLF in lieu) allocations, sales tax (including the local Measure P 0.75% increment) and a decline in the utility user tax driven by electricity and telecommunications trends. On expenditures, she said personnel costs remained the primary driver and that the city is proposing an increase in part-time hours (about 10,260 additional hours, mostly for public safety) while avoiding new full-time positions except one proposed transportation supervisor. Stewart also noted one-time adjustments in enterprise funds (transit and water), and that capital reserves will be replenished by prior-year unspent funds.
City Manager Jesus Gomez and council members asked clarifying questions. Mayor Perez moved to adopt the resolution; the clerk recorded roll-call 'Aye' votes from Council Member Ramirez, Vice Mayor Rios and Mayor Perez, and the resolution was adopted.
The resolution authorizes amendments detailed in exhibits A through H and directs staff to proceed with the updated appropriations and scheduling actions for the FY 2027 budget process.
