At a glance: Hanford council approves property purchase, CFD special tax amendments and midyear budget changes

At its March 17 meeting the Hanford City Council approved several formal actions affecting the city’s capital program, local assessments and staffing.

Real estate purchase for public safety building: The council approved a purchase-and-sale agreement to acquire two parcels from the Richard and Linda Alanis Trust for $1,500,000, with $200,000 funded from the fleet operations fund for included personal property and the remainder from Measure H (approximately $1.3 million). The agreement includes a 3% deposit, a six-month leaseback option for the seller and a due-diligence period (45 days, extendable if a Phase II environmental assessment is needed). Councilmember Martinez recused himself because of a financial interest; the motion passed 4–0–1.

CFD 2025-2 special tax amendment: Staff held the required landowner election to amend the rate and method of apportionment for CFD 2025-2 (Billingsley and Stonehaven). Ballot results showed 18 yes and 0 no votes, meeting the two-thirds threshold. The council adopted the resolutions that call the special election, declare results and direct recordation of an amended special tax lien; the amendment raises the affected Zone B detached-residential levy from $541 to $866 annually for the parcels included in the annexation.

Midyear budget and personnel: Finance staff presented midyear adjustments to the FY25–26 budget; council approved a general-fund additional appropriation of $532,350 and changes to other funds totaling about $689,364. The personnel master was amended to add one full‑time building inspector and several part-time/seasonal positions (front-counter clerical support, aquatics technician). The council approved the midyear package as presented.

Other consent items passed or were tabled consistent with staff recommendations.