Mendota council directs staff to include goals for FY 2025–26 budget, emphasizing roads, parks and housing

The Mendota City Council on May 20 voted unanimously to direct staff to incorporate a set of council priorities into the Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget. Mayor Victor Martinez introduced the agenda item and City Manager Gonzalez outlined ongoing and planned projects.

Council members discussed a range of near-term and long-term priorities: continuing road improvement projects and rehabilitating 7th Street; beautification efforts such as entrance signs and plantings; attracting housing developments and new businesses; improving parks, including establishing a park at the former William Robert Johnston Municipal Airport; consideration of modifying council per diem rates; traffic safety measures including rapid flashing beacons on State Highways 180 and 33 and new sidewalks where needed; installing additional cameras and multi-purpose solar lights; and upgrading the Water Treatment Plant.

Mayor Pro Tem Jose Alonso moved to direct staff to incorporate the goals the council discussed into the FY 2025–26 budget, Council Member Jesus "Jesse" Mendoza seconded, and the motion passed unanimously (4 ayes, absent: Joseph R. Riofrio). The council did not specify dollar amounts or funding sources for each priority during the meeting; staff will present budgetary proposals and funding options during the budget process.

The motion sends the listed priorities to staff for inclusion in budget planning and possible grant applications; specific project scopes, timelines and funding sources will be determined during the budget preparation and subsequent agenda items.