Gardina council adopts balanced two‑year budget, highlights Measure GG proceeds and capital projects

The Gardina City Council on Tuesday adopted Resolution 6738, approving a bianual budget that covers fiscal years 2026–27 and 2027–28 and funds general operations, enterprise activities and a $63 million capital improvement program.

The action followed a staff presentation and public hearing in which Administrative Services Director Ray Bean and city finance staff detailed the general fund, revenue sources and department allocations. The general fund operating budget for FY 2026–27 was presented at about $89.9 million with a projected general fund surplus of $93,902 for 2026–27 and a projected surplus of $81,919 for 2027–28. The council voted 4–0 in favor (Serta, Henderson, Tanaka, Francis).

City staff told the council the budget incorporates newly available local sales‑tax revenue from Measure GG, which the staff estimated would bring roughly $2.9 million in 2026–27 (prorated) and about $4 million in full effect in later years. The two‑year CIP highlights in the presentation included roughly $35 million for road and street improvements, $9.5 million for Masukai building work, a $26.5 million Gardina Community Aquatic and Senior Center (with an estimated ongoing annual operating cost of $1.4 million), sewer improvements, fiber infrastructure and park projects funded by combinations of Measure G, Measure GG, state grants and other special revenue funds.

Transportation director Ernie Crespo briefed council on GTrans’ finances and a so‑called transit “fiscal cliff.” He said federal COVID relief funds that helped sustain transit agencies nationally will be exhausted by the end of the fiscal year, leaving transit systems to cover operating shortfalls while ridership has not fully recovered (GTrans ridership reported at about 84% of pre‑pandemic). Crespo said GTrans’ farebox recovers roughly $1.4 million against operating costs approaching $35 million and outlined mitigation strategies from capital investments (solar, fleet electrification and double‑deck buses) to an operational analysis and fare study.

Council members asked about the timing of adoption, per‑resident police spending comparisons, the transition to electric buses and sewer master‑plan implications. Staff said the city must adopt the budget now to avoid operational disruptions and that the two‑year (biennial) approach still requires annual readoption of the next year to reflect updated assumptions.

What happens next: The budget became effective July 1, 2026. Staff said the city will continue outreach and publish budget documents and a public dashboard online for transparency and monthly expenditure reporting.