Selma council frames FY2026–27 priorities around public safety, parks and downtown revitalization

Selma City Council used a special April 2 workshop to set high‑level priorities for the fiscal‑year 2026–27 budget, focusing council attention on public safety, parks and recreation, and downtown economic development.

City Manager Jason told the council the session was policy‑setting, not a budget adoption, and staff presented preliminary assumptions that will shape the draft budget: sales‑tax growth of about 1.5 percent, an estimated $2.7 million from Measure S, an anticipated $230,000 loss tied to uncertainty around Measure C funds, and a roughly 6 percent average increase in personnel costs. Finance Director Moreno said the finance division's near‑term priority is completing implementation of the Tyler ERP system and closing the FY2025–26 audit.

Department heads outlined requests for additional staffing, equipment and capital projects. Fire Chief Webster described plans to expand ambulance coverage toward a 24/7 fourth ambulance to reduce dropped calls; he said one ambulance on order is due for delivery in June and that adding 24/7 capacity could increase transport revenues. Public Works Director Han listed deferred‑maintenance needs including a city‑hall roof replacement (estimated $400,000–$500,000), senior‑center ADA restroom work (~$35,000) and flooring replacement ($150,000–$200,000).

Parks and community services priorities included Pioneer Village restroom upgrades, Schaefer Park field regrading and a proposed splash pad; the recreation division asked for a part‑time arts aid position (roughly $20,000) and said some items could be funded via grants and Measure K/TOT revenue. Clerk Carlson described being a single‑person office and requested agenda‑management software (initial implementation $30,000–$42,000) and clerical support.

Council members and the public repeatedly returned to public safety as a top priority. Several residents raised concerns about the animal shelter's response capacity and staffing, and business owners questioned the city's transient‑occupancy tax rate. Mayor Promggera said the council will synthesize the workshop input as staff drafts the budget and expects a follow‑up workshop in late April or early May.

The workshop generated no formal votes; staff will present proposed budget figures and program details at subsequent meetings where council may direct specific appropriations.