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Paramount budget workshop flags $352,000 general-fund shortfall and water-fund pressures; council reviews cuts and capital projects
Summary
Staff presented the proposed FY2026–27 budget, highlighting a projected general‑fund gap of about $352,000, water‑fund operating pressures, continued investments in public safety contracts and a $7.8 million capital-project package; council instructed staff to continue the review ahead of a June 9 adoption hearing.
City staff presented the city’s proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget at a council workshop, outlining revenue projections, service priorities and a set of proposed cuts and capital investments that the council will consider before a scheduled adoption hearing on June 9.
Finance staff said the general fund faces a near-term shortfall of about $352,000 and described a set of one-time adjustments and transfers to bridge the gap while departments refine program-level reductions. The staff presentation noted capital-fund proposals including roughly $849,000 from capital reserves and a larger $7.5 million project-construction planning figure tied to multi-year efforts.
The water fund drew particular attention: staff reported projected operating expenses and capital pressures that could result in an operating deficit and said they are relying on reserves while the newly completed well (No. 16) comes online to lower costs. Staff cited projected water‑fund operating figures (roughly $11.1 million) and noted continued need for future rate and reserve adjustments.
Public safety officials and council members discussed contract costs for Los Angeles County sheriff services (staff cited the sheriff contract at approximately $10.86 million) and ongoing overtime and equipment costs. Staff described investments proposed for license‑plate readers ($73,000 for two systems), a drone pilot and continued drone discussions with Los Angeles as part of a broader safety-technology strategy; council members questioned recurring helicopter support charges (staff cited $272,000 spent this year) and the long-term affordability of expanded surveillance technology.
Capital projects presented for the upcoming year included street and meridian improvements, West Santa Ana bicycle/pedestrian trail work, alley reconstructions and a proposed community-center expansion; staff said several projects are slated to be complete by April 2027 and estimated a new-project package of about $7.8 million for the next fiscal year.
Why it matters: The workshop lays out the city’s near-term fiscal choices — including spending priorities for public safety, community services and capital work — and sets the schedule for council decisions leading to budget adoption on June 9.
What’s next: Staff will return with requested details and any edits before the council’s adoption meeting; a motion at the end of the workshop carried to continue budget review and place the adoption hearing on the June 9 agenda.
