Fresno has balanced a $34.5 million deficit as the City Council unanimously passed the city’s largest budget in history on Tuesday.
Mayor Jerry Dyer’s administration is moving forward with its $2.56 billion budget, taking into consideration nearly 100 budget motions from the City Council members over the last two weeks.
Flashback: Dyer pitched the $2.56 million budget in May to the council, revealing that the deficit had grown from a projected $23 million to $34.5 million as the city’s expenditures have far outpaced its revenues.
Part of Dyer’s plan to balance the budget was to implement a 6.18% attrition rate for all departments, except for the Fire Department. All departments were also directed to cut their spending by 5%.
The big picture: The budget is split $546.41 million for the general fund, $1.12 billion for enterprise and internal service funds and $891.97 million for special revenue sources and grants.
What they’re saying: “I am pleased to receive another 7-0 council vote in support of the FY27 budget,” Dyer said. “This budget prioritizes public safety, paving neighborhood streets, and beautifying the Tower District and downtown area. I am especially proud that we approved a balanced budget in a very difficult fiscal year without laying off a single employee or reducing pay or benefits.”
Fresno City Council President Nelson Esparza said, “Fresno residents deserve a budget that invests in their neighborhoods, protects essential services, and prepares our city for the future. I am proud that this budget delivers on those priorities. Over the last several years, Fresno has continued to grow, adapt, and overcome significant challenges. This budget builds on that momentum through historic investments that strengthen our communities, support long-term economic vitality, and position our city for continued success, all while maintaining our commitment to responsible fiscal management.”
Zoom in: Some of the infrastructure allocations in the budget include $1 million to beautify sidewalks in the Tower District and downtown, $75 million for street and sidewalk construction and $500,000 for a new park near Addams Elementary School.
The budget includes $700,000 for freeway trash removal, as well as a commitment to plant 1,000 new trees and $3.3 million for tree trimming to allow for a 10-year cycle.
The Eviction Protection Program will be funded by a $1.8 million allocation, and the city is also fully funding gang violence prevention program Advance Peace.
On the animal front, the city is allocating $825,000 for nonprofits for spay and neuter programs, including a $300,000 match from Dogwood Animal Rescue.
The budget also supports an additional Homeless Assistance Response Team and $2 million in grants to First Five of California, among other projects.