2026/27 & 2027/28
Budget Discussion
November 3, 2025
Finance & Technology Department
visalia.gov
Annual Financial Report presented to Council - review prior year actuals (January)
BIANNUAL BUDGET CYCLE
visalia.gov
BUDGET DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS
The City uses the GFOA (Government Finance Officers Association) best budgeting practices to create the budget document and has received the Distinguished Budget Award for the past 30+ years.
GFOA requires your document to meet a list of criteria. Some requirements to receive the award are:
Strategic Budget Document
Establishing strategic goals and showing how they are being met throughout the document Department Performance Measures
City Priorities and Issues
Impact of capital projects on the operating budget
Debt Discussion
Long range financial plans
Citizen involvement
visalia.gov
BUDGET DOCUMENT
The budget document consists of:
Current Financials (priorities and challenges)
Future Forecast
Department Summaries
Dept Description, Financials, Performance Measures, Accomplishments, Goals 6 Year Capital Plan
Financial Policies
Debt, Investments, Reserves, Budget Ordinance Documents Allocated Positions/Salary Schedule
visalia.gov
BUDGET PROCESS TIMELINE
visalia.gov
STRATEGIC GOALS FOR THE BUDGET DOCUMENT
Typically, the strategic goals are broad and focus mainly on future.
Structure:
Up to 5 categories
No more than 5 points under each category
Icons for each category
These are used throughout the document
Icons are shown in department sections to show how goals are being met
visalia.gov
CURRENT STRATEGIC GOALS 24/25 & 25/26
Maintain quality of life for the citizens of Visalia
Continue City efforts to reduce homelessness while collaborating and advocating regionally as appropriate.
Provide diverse housing through a variety of programs and policies for all income levels Provide diverse community experiences and personal enrichment for all ages Continue to improve parks, recreational amenities, open space, and trailways for a connected community Quality of Life
Continue to maintain the City’s good fiscal health and sustainability Adopt a balanced budget
Continue to maintain the General Fund Emergency Reserve at 30% of operating expenditures.
Fiscal Strength
Plan for the development of future infrastructure
Maintain, improve, and replace assets and infrastructure within the City Ensure safe, reliable infrastructure that benefits the community Seek grant funding to maintain and expand City infrastructure to meet the community's needs Manage, maintain, and enhance the City’s roadways to provide a safe and effective transportation system Infrastructure
& Growth
Provide excellent public service that is efficient, accessible, and responsive to all Provide high-quality essential City services
Attract and retain a talented, diverse, and engaged workforce across the entire City organization Utilize and add technology to increase efficiencies for City services Continue to make improvements that equip the City to deliver excellent services to the community Organizational Excellence
Promote a vibrant economy that provides an equitable opportunity for all Facilitate programs to develop, attract, and retain businesses Foster economic development in both commercial and industrial Economic Vitality
visalia.gov
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends using the current strategic goals for the FY 26/27 & 27/28 Budget Or
Per Council’s modifications