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El Centro council adopts balanced $146M budget for 2026–27, funds one new executive post and holds others pending
Summary
The El Centro City Council adopted a $146.4 million citywide budget for fiscal 2026–27, keeping the general fund balanced at about $45.3 million, funding an assistant city manager position and delaying most other staffing requests to midyear review.
The El Centro City Council on June 2026 adopted the city—s proposed fiscal year 2026—27 budget, approving $146.4 million in appropriation authority across city funds and a balanced general fund of about $45.3 million. The council voted 4—0 to approve the plan after a presentation and question-and-answer period with the finance consultant.
Finance consultant Andy Heath told the council the proposed citywide appropriation authority totals roughly $146.4 million and includes about $46 million for capital projects. "One of the most important things that the council will consider all year" was making the multi-year forecast and identifying reserve and staffing tradeoffs, Heath said.
Why it matters: The adopted budget funds city operations and a sizable capital program while keeping revenue and expenditures in balance for 2026—27. The plan preserves reserves, contains a $968,000 salary-savings assumption, and sets aside a $361,000 placeholder for remaining labor and classification actions.
Key decisions and details: The budget includes funding for one new full-time position, an assistant city manager, at an annual cost of about $237,000. Eighteen other position requests (including multiple police and public-works roles) were held pending midyear review and updated revenue results. Heath said the city—s forecast shows small deficits in later years primarily driven by rising pension (CalPERS) and insurance costs, not by day-to-day operations.
On capital and enterprise funds, Heath highlighted roughly $46 million in capital appropriations across transportation, parks grants, and wastewater/water projects. The water and wastewater enterprise budgets do not assume Prop 218 rate increases; staff said those rate choices will be handled through separate processes.
Public input and council debate: Members of the public and a wide council discussion followed the presentation. Resident Jose Rodriguez praised the council's fiscal management and urged continued attention to infrastructure. Councilmembers repeatedly cited the budget—s slim margins and emphasized the plan—s conservative assumptions.
Next steps: Staff will continue to monitor revenues and bring midyear updates; any held staffing or one-time capital issues may be reconsidered at that time if actual revenues and carryover permit. The council approved the budget by voice vote (motion passed 4—0).
