Kingman council adopts tentative FY2026–27 budget ceiling amid transit debate over 'yellow' route
June 02, 2026 | Kingman City, Mohave County, Arizona
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Kingman City Council adopted the FY2026–27 tentative budget ceiling on June 2 after a lengthy staff presentation and debate over transit service reductions.
Tina (finance staff) presented revisions to the recommended budget, noting personnel adjustments, changes to police and fire step plans, and $500,000 of general‑fund savings achieved largely by reducing capital contributions and postponing select projects. "The tentative budget sets a ceiling on appropriations at $488,124," staff said while reviewing the figures and the schedule for final adoption on June 23.
Council discussion centered on a proposed service reduction in the city's transit program: staff had recommended removing the 'yellow' route (service that includes Mojave College and several county neighborhoods) to achieve savings. Manager Walsh said staff is evaluating alternatives, including an on‑demand pilot, but cautioned that on‑demand programs may not realize the large net savings the city had hoped to achieve and that grant and compliance constraints must be considered.
Multiple residents and service providers urged retaining the yellow route. Rider David McDonald said, "I'm disabled... I spend about $35 a month in bus tickets," and warned that route removal would harm people who rely on the line for work, medical care and grocery access. Nonprofit providers and a business owner described the route as a lifeline for low‑income and transit‑dependent residents.
Council asked staff to delay the route removal timeline (staff proposed moving a July 1 removal to August 1) to allow county and college partners time to identify subsidy options or alternative arrangements. Staff said the transit fund would save approximately $100,000 under the proposed change but that retaining service through a longer transition may be possible.
Council approved the tentative budget ceiling by voice vote; final adoption and any transit funding decisions will be made at the June 23 meeting.
Tina (finance staff) presented revisions to the recommended budget, noting personnel adjustments, changes to police and fire step plans, and $500,000 of general‑fund savings achieved largely by reducing capital contributions and postponing select projects. "The tentative budget sets a ceiling on appropriations at $488,124," staff said while reviewing the figures and the schedule for final adoption on June 23.
Council discussion centered on a proposed service reduction in the city's transit program: staff had recommended removing the 'yellow' route (service that includes Mojave College and several county neighborhoods) to achieve savings. Manager Walsh said staff is evaluating alternatives, including an on‑demand pilot, but cautioned that on‑demand programs may not realize the large net savings the city had hoped to achieve and that grant and compliance constraints must be considered.
Multiple residents and service providers urged retaining the yellow route. Rider David McDonald said, "I'm disabled... I spend about $35 a month in bus tickets," and warned that route removal would harm people who rely on the line for work, medical care and grocery access. Nonprofit providers and a business owner described the route as a lifeline for low‑income and transit‑dependent residents.
Council asked staff to delay the route removal timeline (staff proposed moving a July 1 removal to August 1) to allow county and college partners time to identify subsidy options or alternative arrangements. Staff said the transit fund would save approximately $100,000 under the proposed change but that retaining service through a longer transition may be possible.
Council approved the tentative budget ceiling by voice vote; final adoption and any transit funding decisions will be made at the June 23 meeting.
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