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Gonzales council votes to continue FY 2026-27 budget to Aug. 31 amid Measure B concerns
Summary
Council approved resolution 2026-26 to continue the fiscal year 2026-27 budget through Aug. 31, 2026 while awaiting election results that will determine funding for the fire department; the decision drew public criticism over past budgeting, Measure B and police conduct.
The Gonzales City Council on June 1 approved resolution 2026-26 to extend interim funding and continue the fiscal year 2026-27 budget until Aug. 31, 2026, a move staff said would allow time to evaluate revenue outcomes from an upcoming election that may affect fire department support.
A staff presentation described the extension as a two-month continuance to give the city a clearer picture of revenue after the election and to plan for "next steps" depending on whether the proposed tax measure (Measure B) is approved. "After tomorrow's election... tomorrow will determine whether we are able to receive additional funding to support the fire department or not," staff said.
Public commenters criticized the city's budgeting approach and questioned Measure B. Several speakers, including landlords and long-time residents, said the city had previously counted future revenues and should instead live within current receipts. One commenter said Measure B would be "the highest tax measure on our property taxes" and expressed concern about an open-ended annual rate.
During public comment Henry Martinez Jr. made allegations about local policing and court actions, saying that "those same people were charged with contempt" after speaking at council meetings and that he had been slandered by the department. The transcript records the allegation but no response from police on the record in this meeting.
Councilmember motioned, seconded and the council approved the resolution by voice vote. The resolution continues the budget through Aug. 31, 2026, and directs staff to reassess budget planning once election revenues are known.
The record shows vigorous public concern about the city's budgeting practices, police-community relations and the local ballot measure. Councilmembers and staff repeatedly urged residents to vote and emphasized the continuance is intended to give the city time to make better-informed fiscal decisions.
Next procedural steps: council staff will incorporate election results into revised fiscal projections; the council did not take further action on specific line items at this meeting.
