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Salinas council adopts biennial 2026–28 operating budget and approves CIP and $1.5M SB1 allocation
Summary
Council unanimously adopted a two‑year operating budget for FY26‑27 and FY27‑28, approved a $47.2M first‑year CIP and a five‑year program, and voted to reallocate $1.5M of SB1 balance for residential pavement work after public debate about priorities and Measure G accountability.
The Salinas City Council adopted the proposed biennial operating budget for fiscal years 2026–27 and 2027–28 and approved the capital improvement program (CIP) at its June 16 meeting. Finance Director Selena Andrus presented revenue and expenditure assumptions, noted risks tied to federal policy and the timing of new revenues (including projected Amazon receipts), and discussed staffing recommendations and contingency reserves.
Councilmembers questioned reserve levels, recruitment feasibility for new positions, and options to increase community‑focused programs funded out of one‑time balances. During public comment and council debate, residents repeatedly urged prioritizing street and sidewalk repairs, parks staffing, anti‑displacement measures and accountability for Measure G funds. Council discussed a modest in‑meeting package of additional items (rental assistance increase, neighborhood grant increases, community engagement staff) with staff cautioning about preserving fund balance amid uncertainties.
Councilmember Barrera moved to adopt the biennial operating budget resolution and set appropriations limits for FY26‑27; the motion passed on a unanimous roll‑call vote (Barrera, D'Arrigo, De La Rosa, Salazar, Sandoval, Mayor Donahue voting yes). The council then approved the CIP as presented (first year $47.2M; second year $40.3M), including staff recommendations to reassign certain funds to accelerate Abbott Street work, traffic calming and Branda Road improvements. Council subsequently approved an additional staff recommendation to allocate $1.5 million from SB1 fund balance to complete the residential pavement plan for year two.
Council directed staff to return with implementation details for neighborhood grant processes and to continue monitoring revenues and mid‑year adjustments. Members also requested clearer follow‑up reports on use and effectiveness of funded programs — including mobile crisis response and rental assistance — to support transparency ahead of the Measure G renewal campaign.
Next steps: Adopted budgets take effect immediately for FY26‑27; staff will execute the CIP program, proceed with contract awards for ready projects (including Abbott Street), and bring mid‑year adjustments and follow‑ups to council as revenue and performance data arrive.
