City of Wasco City Council Special Meeting Agenda, May 9, 2025
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AGENDA AVAILABILITY: The City
Council Agenda is posted on the bulletin board at the entry of City Hall 746 8th Street, Wasco, at the entrance of 764 E Street, Wasco, and at the entry of the Sheriff’s Office 748 F Street, Wasco. The agenda packet, meeting minutes, and archived City Council meetings are available on the City’s website at www.cityofwasco.org.
AGENDA MATERIALS: City Council agenda materials are released no later than 24 hours prior to a Special meeting and are available to the public at the City Clerk’s Office, 746 8 th Street, Wasco, CA, in a public binder at each City Council meeting, and on the City’s website at https://www.cityofwasco.org/AgendaCenter
PUBLIC COMMENTS: This is a special meeting , and only comments or statements concerning the Agenda items listed below are allowed (GC54954.3a). Public comments may be made in person or via email. If you would like to submit a public comment via email, please submit email comments to [email protected] no later than 8:00 a.m. on May 10, 2025.
Every effort will be made to read your comment into the record; however, they are limited to two (2) minutes. If a comment is received after the specific time mentioned above but before the meeting is adjourned, the comment will still be included as a part of the record of the meeting but will not be read into the record.
Please be advised that communications directed to the City Council are public records and are subject to disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act and Brown Act unless exempt from disclosure under the applicable law. Communications will NOT be edited for redactions and will be printed/posted as submitted.
SPANISH INTERPRETATION: If you need an interpretation of your communications to the City Council from Spanish into English, please contact the City Clerk Department at 661-758-7215 or via email at [email protected]. Subject to availability
INTERPRETACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Si necesita una interpretación de sus comunicaciones al Concejo Municipal del español al inglés, comuníquese con el Departamento del Secretario de la Ciudad al 661 -758-7215 o por correo electrónico a [email protected]. Sujeto a disponibilidad.
AGENDA
Special City Council Meeting,
Successor Agency to the
Former Redevelopment Agency and the
Wasco Public Finance Authority
Saturday, May 10, 2025 – 9:00 a.m.
Council Chambers
746 8th Street, Wasco, CA 93280
www.cityofwasco.org
City of Wasco City Council Special Meeting Agenda, May 9, 2025 SPECIAL MEETING – 9:00 a.m.
1) CALL TO ORDER: Mayor
2) ROLL CALL: Mayor Medina, Mayor Pro Tem Saldaña, Council Members: Martinez, Raya, Reyna
3) FLAG SALUTE: led by the Mayor
4) NEW BUSINESS:
a. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Workshop General fund, Enterprise funds, and Capital Improvement Program. (Perez-Hernandez)
5) ADJOURNMENT:
This is to certify that this agenda was posted at Wasco City Hall on Thursday, May 9, 2025, on/or before 9:00 a.m., 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. The agenda is also available on the City website at www.cityofwasco.org.
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Maria O. Martinez, CMC
City Clerk
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TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: M. Scott Hurlbert, City Manager
Isarel Perez-Hernandez, Finance Director
DATE: May 10, 2025
SUBJECT: Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Workshop General fund and Enterprise funds, and Capital Improvement Program.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends the City Council:
1) Receive department budget requests related to Fiscal Year 2025 -2026 and provide feedback to staff, and
2) Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15378; no environmental review is required.
Environmental Review:
The staff has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). It has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA guidelines because the proposed activity consists of a governmental fiscal/administrati ve activity which does not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is required.
Discussion:
It is essential to address the economic fluctuations that will impact the 2025-2026 budget. This report aims to outline our strategic response to these challenges and align our budgetary priorities with the directives set forth by the council during the annual strategic planning workshop held on February 13, 2025.
Strategic Priorities:
The council has emphasized several key priorities during the strategic planning workshop, which will guide our budgetary decisions for the upcoming fiscal year:
1. Sports Complex Development – Staff will explore options for helping to create a sports complex to serve the community.
STAFF REPORT
City of Wasco
2. Water Management Expansion – Addressing capacity limitations by investing in additional wells and storage to support long-term growth.
3. Community Engagement – Enhancing communication through social media, newsletters, and public meetings to improve transparency.
4. Public Safety Enhancements – Establishing a new police department facility, expanding crime prevention efforts, and strengthening community policing initiatives.
5. Economic Development – Growing the city’s revenue base, attracting new businesses, and implementing the recently adopted five-year Economic Development Plan.
6. City Infrastructure Improvements – Investing in road rehabilitation, water projects, and pedestrian safety enhancements.
7. Homelessness Initiatives – Expanding programs and partnerships to support unhoused residents through outreach and housing assistance.
The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
City leaders identified three bright spots in Wasco’s future:
1. Business Growth: Expansion of local businesses and increased interest from national retailers along the Hwy 46 corridor.
2. Community Engagement: Strengthened public safety efforts and growing trust in the Wasco Police Department since its inception.
3. Infrastructure Investments: Continued momentum in capital improvement projects, including water system, road repairs and facility upgrades.
However, the city also faces three key challenges:
1. Stagnant Sales Tax Revenue: Short-term forecasts indicate flat revenue growth, which could impact budget flexibility.
2. Water Supply Limitations: Growth is constrained due to limited water infrastructure, necessitating new investment in wells and water management solutions.
3. Federal Policy Shifts: Changes in federal funding priorities may affect grant availability for key projects.
Budget Proposal Overview
Staff will present the proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 annual department budget requests, focusing on key financial aspects such as general fund revenues, operating costs, fund balance, and significant changes in operating costs. Additionally, we will provide insights into enterprise funds, including wastewater, water, sanitation, compressed natural gas, and transit funds. Furthermore, we will introduce new and updated capital projects proposed for inclusion in the CIP budget book.
It is important to note that department heads meticulously reviewed their department budgets and made requests deemed critical for achieving the council's strategic priorities while recognizing that we are navigating a turbulent economy that warrants caution. Recognizing the potential impact of inflation on revenues and expenses, department heads have adapted their budgetary requests to reflect changing consumer habits and economic conditions
By aligning our budgetary decisions with the council's strategic priorities, we aim to address the economic challenges ahead while continuing to support the growth and well-being of our community. This report underscores our commitment to sound financial management and strategic planning in navigating the complexities of the upcoming fiscal year.
Recent developments across California serve as a cautionary reminder of the importance of fiscal sustainability. At the national level, although inflation has moderated from its peaks in 2023, prices in key sectors, such as energy, housing, and utilities, remain elevated, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The Congressional Budget Office has stated that federal initiatives may result in potential shifts in infrastructure funding, public safety grants, and environmental regulations, all of which could impact local government operations.
Meanwhile, at the state level, the California Department of Finance has projected a cautious fiscal outlook in its 202 6 Budget Proposal, focusing on addressing state budget deficits and prioritizing education, public safety, and climate resilience. Such state-level decisions may have trickle-down effects on local government funding and operational mandates.
To safeguard Wasco’s fiscal health and service delivery, staff will continue monitoring legislative developments, market indicators, and external funding opportunities. Our strategy prioritizes adaptability, sustainability, and alignment with Council goals. By budgeting with caution—rather than assumption—we are better positioned to weather near-term challenges and seize long-term opportunities.
We look forward to engaging the Council in meaningful dialogue during the upcoming budget workshop and welcome feedback to ensure that our fiscal approach reflects both our values and realities.
Next Steps:
The subsequent budget workshop scheduled for May 10, 202 5, is designated for further deliberations and adjustments based on the outcomes of the initial budget workshop, if necessary.
Fiscal Impact:
No fiscal impact.
Attachments:
None