San Luis council adopts five‑year CIP, final budget and multiple contracts in June meeting

The San Luis City Council on June 24 adopted a five‑year Capital Improvement Plan and approved the city’s final fiscal year 2026–27 budget, along with a package of contracts and grant applications intended to move infrastructure and planning projects forward.

Thomas Sanchez, the city engineer, told the council the proposed CIP covers transportation, water, wastewater, drainage, parks, public facilities and public safety infrastructure and is a five‑year strategic planning document; he emphasized that “adoption of this CIP does not authorize construction of individual projects” and that each project will require future budget appropriations and council action. The council approved Resolution 2406 on a motion, second and voice vote.

The finance director presented the final FY2026–27 budget and opened a public hearing; with no public comment, council members voted to adopt Resolution 2404. The roll call recorded one nay and the motion carried.

City manager Jenny Torres presented several personnel and legal service items. Council approved a contract to retain a retired judge as an on‑call assistant city magistrate to avoid conflicts with recently sworn‑in staff and approved contracts with the law firm Pierce Coleman for city attorney services and interim prosecution; the council also authorized the related budget transfers cited in the agenda items.

Public works staff won council approval to purchase water main materials and supplies for distribution system improvements, using cooperative purchasing and quote processes for materials, and to process the necessary budget transfer. Parks director Kelly Raldan briefed the council on the lighting and retention basin assessment districts and the FY2026–27 assessment budget; council approved the assessment budget of $1,271,660.

Grants coordinator Ombberto Aros asked the council to approve submitting an application to the Arizona Department of Housing for Community Development Block Grant state special project funds to repair streets in the Rancho Loss area; staff estimated approximately $500,000 in SSP funds could be available and provided a total project cost figure and an associated local match, and the council approved Resolution 2399 to submit the application. Economic development director Armando Sparsa asked for approval to apply to the USDA Rural Business Development Grant for a five‑year economic development strategic plan and for a proposed local match; council approved Resolution 2405 authorizing the application.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 2406 (Adopt 2027–2031 CIP): approved (voice vote; motion and second). - Resolution 2404 (Adopt FY2026–27 final budget): approved (roll call; recorded 1 nay; motion carried). - Contract for on‑call assistant magistrate (Judge Figueroa): approved (motion and second; voice vote). - Legal services agreement with Pierce Coleman for city attorney (Joe Estes): approved (motion and second; voice vote). - Interim prosecutor services from Pierce Coleman (Joe Estes, Kate Cox): approved (motion and second; voice vote). - Purchase of water main materials and necessary budget transfer: approved (motion and second; one council member stated an intention to abstain during discussion; roll call completed). - Lighting and retention basin assessment districts budget ($1,271,660): approved (motion and second; voice vote). - Resolution 2403 (IG agreement with City of Yuma for standard residential plans): approved (motion and second; voice vote). - Resolution 2399 (Submit CDBG SSP application for Rancho Loss Phase 3 streets): approved (motion and second; voice vote). - Resolution 2405 (Authorize USDA grant application for 5‑year economic development plan): approved (motion and second; voice vote).

What the council approved does not automatically authorize construction or guarantee grant awards. Staff repeatedly noted that project implementation will depend on later budget appropriations, procurement steps, and external grant decisions. The meeting closed with council member updates and the mayor adjourning the meeting.