Adelanto staff present balanced FY 2026–27 budget, project small surplus

Adelanto finance director Sharon presented the city's proposed fiscal year 2026'7 budget on July 22, saying the analysis projects general-fund revenues of $27,042,569 and estimated expenditures of $26,810,684, leaving a projected surplus of about $231,885.

"For fiscal year 26 27, we projected revenues at for the general fund at $27,042,569 and estimated expenditures at $26,810,684," Sharon said during the public hearing. She told the council that economic headwinds—ongoing inflation, volatile gas prices and uncertain interest rates—affect consumer spending and the tax base, while recruitment and retention pressures are increasing personnel and contract costs.

Sharon outlined the composition of the general fund and enterprise funds: roughly 19% of general-fund revenue comes from the state (property-tax in lieu of motor-vehicle license fees), sales and business taxes form major shares, and Measure I and other special revenues supply targeted capital dollars. She said the water enterprise is projected to earn about $12.2 million in revenue with commensurate expenditures, and the sewer fund projects roughly $7.6 million in revenues.

Council members thanked staff for rapid audit progress and for producing a fiscally conservative forecast. One councilor emphasized that completed audits and sound financial controls improve the city's ability to access Measure I and other regional funding. Sharon and other staff said catching audits up and demonstrating internal controls helps secure grants and outside financing.

The proposal will move through the council process; staff said the budget will be monitored and adjusted if revenues deviate from projections. The public hearing and council discussion concluded without a final amendment at this meeting.