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Avenal council adopts FY 2026-27 operating budget that largely rolls over prior year totals
Summary
The council approved a FY 2026-27 operating budget that largely repeats the 2025-26 figures and incorporates the recently established Avenal Fire Department budget; staff said the rollover ensures a budget is in place before July 1 while more detailed review continues.
The Avenal City Council approved the city's fiscal year 2026-27 operating budget, adopting a budget that largely repeats the prior year's figures and adds the recently created Avenal Fire Department budget.
Why it matters: Adopting a rollover budget ensures the city has an approved spending plan in place before the July 1 deadline while staff continues detailed review of capital and operational needs arising from recent municipal changes, including the transition of fire services from Kings County and investments in a new community center.
Staff presentation: The director of administrative services (represented by the city manager at the meeting because the director was ill) recommended recycling the 2025-26 budget with additions needed for contractual obligations, inflation, personnel costs and the Avenal Fire Department budget (previously approved in resolution 2026-32). The staff rationale was to meet the statutory deadline while finalizing other pending items.
Public input: No members of the public spoke during the budget public hearing.
Council action: After a brief public hearing with no speakers, the council moved and approved resolution 2026-39, adopting the operating budget, the successor agency RDA resolution, and public financing authority documents as presented. The clerk recorded the motion as passed by three present and two absent.
What the budget does (as presented): The proposed operating budget repeats the prior fiscal year's budget figures and incorporates necessary additions for contracts and the newly adopted fire department budget. Staff noted pending capital projects and ongoing budget review tied to the fire department, community center, and other infrastructure work.
Next steps: Staff will continue detailed budget review and return to council with any recommended adjustments or funding proposals; the adopted rollover preserves the city's ability to meet payroll, contracts, and other obligations through the start of the fiscal year.
Vote summary: Resolution 2026-39 approving the FY 2026-27 operating budget: passed, recorded as 3 yes, 0 no, 2 absent.
Sources: Staff report and roll call during the Avenal City Council meeting, June 11, 2026.
