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Bell Gardens adopts FY 2026–27 budget projecting $3.6 million general‑fund deficit
Summary
The City Council adopted a FY2026–27 budget that projects $49.4M in general‑fund revenues and $52.7M in expenditures (a $3.6M projected deficit), factors a 7.5% vacancy rate, and carries proposed CIP of roughly $1.7M plus $31M in carryover projects. Staff committed to quarterly revenue updates and additional public reporting on use of any new sales‑tax proceeds.
The Bell Gardens City Council on June 8 adopted the city’s fiscal year 2026–27 operating and capital budget, which projects a $3.6 million general‑fund deficit.
Director of Finance Manuel Curio presented the budget package, showing projected general fund revenues of about $49.4 million against proposed expenditures of about $52.7 million. Curio told the council that the FY2025–26 projected year‑end deficit is approximately $1.97 million and that FY2026–27 reflects continuing pressure from rising personnel costs, insurance (an estimated $535,000 increase in JPI insurance premiums), and debt service related to energy and efficiency projects. The proposed budget assumes a 7.5% vacancy rate and includes one‑year labor agreements with existing bargaining groups.
Curio summarized water‑fund dynamics as well, reporting the water utility is projected to owe the general fund roughly $3.7 million by June 30, 2027 and noting one‑time settlement and grant monies in past years. Councilmembers asked for and staff committed to providing quarterly revenue/expenditure reports showing reserve impacts and pledged public materials explaining how new revenues (including the city’s recently proposed add‑on sales tax) would be used.
Several councilmembers praised staff efforts to find alternate funding for capital projects and to pursue grants to limit general‑fund exposure. Council adopted the budget after discussion and questions about reserve levels, the city’s reliance on card‑room revenue and other major revenue streams, and the need to monitor expenditures closely.
