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Stockton adopts $1.05B FY2026–27 budget; council orders 30‑day review of Optic/public information function
Summary
The Stockton City Council approved the FY2026–27 budget (7–0), adding an Agenda & Legislative Services Manager position and directing the city manager to return within 30 days with a detailed plan for the Optic/public information unit after council concern about performance and spending.
Stockton's City Council on June 9 adopted the fiscal year 2026–27 budget after a full public hearing and debate, approving the measure 7–0 while attaching a firm direction that staff report back within 30 days with a clear plan for the city's Optic/public information operation.
CFO Gilbert Garcia presented a citywide expenditure plan of roughly $1.05 billion and a general fund budget of about $344.5 million, with roughly 77% of the general fund supporting public safety. The proposed budget includes pay‑as‑you‑go capital spending and a new “Agenda & Legislative Services Manager” position (funded from the city manager's budget and charged out to departments) intended to improve agenda preparation, legislative workflow and compliance oversight.
During public comment and council debate, several council members expressed concern about the Optic/public information team's delivery compared with initial promises, citing timing and quality of social‑media and outreach content and asking for analytics and a concrete execution plan. Councilmember Padilla and Vice Mayor Lee pressed for measurable deliverables and clearer role definitions between the public information officer, Optic staff and other departments.
Vice Mayor Lee moved to approve the budget with two conditions: add the Agenda & Legislative Services Manager position into the budget and require the city manager to return within 30 days with a specific plan detailing how the Optic/public information team will be organized, staffed and measured; the council seconded and the motion carried 7–0. The manager acknowledged the directive and committed to returning at the next meeting with proposed changes.
What happens next: The city manager will present a plan within 30 days describing Optic staffing, responsibilities, measurable outcomes and how the $1.04M proposed Optic spend will be allocated; council reserved the right to give additional direction or request changes.
