Needles council directs staff to proceed with 2023–24 budget, schedules June 13 public hearing

The City of Needles City Council voted May 23 to direct staff to continue the fiscal‑year 2023–24 budget process and hold a public hearing and action on June 13.

City Manager Rick Daniels presented the operating-budget overview, warning of recession risks and noting staff had used conservative revenue estimates. Daniels said the packet includes an estimated 10% increase in health insurance and called attention to a large list of capital projects that will be brought forward separately. He said the operating budget presented is conservative while a capital program of roughly $30 million will be submitted within 90 days. Daniels also told the council that city reserves stood at about 10.5 percent, with a policy target of 15 percent.

Council members pressed staff on positions and capital priorities. The budget includes funds to fill a full‑time pool technician and to finish a classification study; staff noted recruitment is underway for development services and housing‑management positions. Daniels said the operating budget as presented does not add other new permanent positions and that many capital projects remain unfunded pending separate action. The council moved, seconded and approved the motion to proceed with the budget process and schedule the public hearing; staff will publish materials and bring the proposed ordinance/resolution back for council action on June 13.