Public Comments
Several community members addressed the Council during public comment. One resident expressed concern about increasing utility bills and suggested exploring alternate funding sources or subsidies. Another speaker emphasized the importance of promoting responsible pet ownership and suggested educational campaigns to reduce stray animals.
Food Vendor Regulations
City staff and Councilmembers discussed the regulation of mobile food vendors, focusing on temporary solutions and enforcement. A temporary moratorium was considered, though staff emphasized the intent to move forward with long-term permitting solutions, potentially including designated vendor spaces. Public comments voiced concerns from both brick-and-mortar businesses and vendors about fairness and enforcement.
Budget Presentation for FY 2025–2026
Staff presented a detailed overview of the proposed 2025–2026 budget. The general fund operating expenditures are projected at $27.2 million, with $17 million allocated to personnel, $9.5 million to supplies and services, and $100,000 to contingency. One-time costs totaling $822,000 were identified for items such as vehicle replacements, IT upgrades, fire station improvements, and trail overlays. These would be funded from reserves.
Measure P and Measure H funds remain critical to supporting public safety and recreation. Expenditures from Measure P include $2.5 million for police and $2.1 million for fire. Measure H is funding projects such as solar lighting, license plate readers, and a citywide street sweeper.
Enterprise funds for water, wastewater, airport, and solid waste total tens of millions, with significant capital outlays: $4 million for Mercy Springs waterline, $4.5 million for a final kilometer wastewater project, and $3 million for a recharge detention basin. Solid waste includes $657,000 in capital outlay, partially tied to efforts to close the city landfill.
The city’s internal service funds that support fleet, facilities, and IT, have been refined for accountability. Overall capital project investments from all funds total approximately $40 million.
Personnel and Staffing
The proposed budget includes 18 new staff positions across departments to support city priorities. These include two battalion chiefs, a police sergeant, a homeless outreach coordinator, a city engineer, multiple utility maintenance workers, and administrative support for economic development. Staff emphasized that increased capacity will enable departments to better manage operations and deliver on capital projects.
Homelessness and Encampment Management
The city reported a significant cleanup and reorganization effort at the G Street homeless encampment. Over 60 tons of debris were removed, and 68 uniform tents were installed. Police, Public Works, Code Enforcement, and Housing staff coordinated on the project. Rules are being enforced to maintain cleanliness and safety. Staff emphasized this is an interim step, with long-term goals to transition individuals to supportive housing such as One Tree.
The 2025 Point-In-Time homeless count for Los Banos showed a 28.9% reduction from 2024, attributed to expanded housing services and refined data methods. The Housing Division maintains weekly census maps and has permanent housing pathways for many residents, including 15 individuals already prepared to move into One Tree when it opens.
Capital Projects and Infrastructure
Major capital investments include: intersection improvements at Pioneer and Ortigalita ($5.3 million), City Hall Annex building ($1.7 million), EOC Fire Station ($2 million), and pavement work at F Street Yard. Bike lane improvements on Pacheco Boulevard are anticipated as part of a Caltrans repaving project. Future infrastructure may include a solar lighting project along the canal trail and a potential $15 million clean closure or $6 million cap of the city’s former landfill site near the Ag Sports Complex.
Economic Development and Local Spending Campaign
The Council highlighted efforts to support economic development, including a $250,000 allocation and a new administrative coordinator position. A “Buy Local, Buy Online” campaign is also being launched to educate residents about keeping sales tax dollars within city limits.
Council Reports and Community Events
Councilmembers praised the transparency and collaboration reflected in the budget process. Several noted improvements in public safety and community aesthetics due to the cleanup efforts and budget allocations.
Upcoming events noted include:
- 4th of July Celebration on June 28 (hosted by the Downtown Association)
- Weekly Friday Farmer’s Markets through October
- A public workshop on homelessness (June 5 at the Police Department)
Public Input on Governance and Participation
The Mayor encouraged residents to get involved with city commissions, noting that four positions remain open. Plans are underway to hold a candidate forum for an upcoming local election, in partnership with the League of Women Voters.
Closing Remarks
City officials and department heads were thanked for their work on the budget and encampment cleanup. The proposed FY 2025–2026 budget will return for a vote at the June 18 meeting, following further review and public input.
