La Verne holds first reading of 2026–27 budget with modest projected surplus

The La Verne Board of Mayor and Aldermen reviewed the first reading of the fiscal-year 2026–27 budget at a workshop on April 30.

Bruce, speaking for city finance staff, told the board projected general fund revenues are $45,883,435 and total expenditures are approximately $45,000,005.65, leaving a surplus the speaker reported as $317,499. Bruce said the projection includes a 6% increase previously discussed during budget workshops and that staff will continue to refine the documents before placing the final ordinance in next week’s packet.

Board members thanked staff for the work on the budget. One member said they hope additional tax revenue in coming months will allow for amendments to improve services and operations. The mayor urged anyone with questions between the workshop and the meeting to contact Bruce or Danielle directly and asked that citizens not e-mail the entire board with budget questions.

Why it matters: The budget establishes city priorities and spending levels for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. The workshop was a procedural step; the city will present the formal ordinance for adoption at a later meeting after members review the packet materials.

The board did not vote on the ordinance at the workshop. Staff said the ordinance will be included in next week’s meeting packet and that a public hearing will be part of the regular meeting schedule.