Fresno City Council Budget Hearing and Vote on Budget Motions - June 16, 2026

The Fresno City Council held the fifth day of FY 2026-2027 budget hearings on June 16, 2026, focusing on voting on budget motions. The meeting began at 9:00 AM in the Council Chambers, with all seven councilmembers present. Councilmembers introduced numerous motions to allocate funds from various sources, including Measure P, general fund, and special revenues. Public testimony highlighted support for community projects and opposition to the HART team. The council will reconvene on June 23, 2026, to adopt the final budget.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Multiple residents from Tower District advocated for $50,000 to establish a Tower District Library branch, noting community demand and partnership with Fresno County.
• Several speakers opposed additional funding for the HART team, citing reports of belongings being discarded, lack of transparency, and inhumane treatment of unhoused individuals.
• Support was expressed for the South Tower Community Land Trust, the Tower Library, and spay/neuter programs.
• Representatives from Shine Together requested $120,000 to sustain services for teen parents, citing high teen birth rates in Fresno County.
• A resident urged the city to invest in community-forward solutions rather than police expansion, emphasizing the need for housing and eviction protection.
• Aaron Foster of Advanced Peace requested full funding for the program to prevent gun violence, noting federal funding cuts.

Discussion Items

• Budget Motions from Councilmembers: Councilmember Maxwell introduced several motions including $5,000 for mother's room upgrades, $30,000 for wage protection outreach, $100,000 for a resiliency center and Fresno Arts Museum flooring, $350,000 for Pave More Now, $930,000 for a HAWK signal at First and Fairmont, and $250,000 for the Child Care Access and Family Affordability Commission. He also moved to make FAX buses zero fare on election day ($12,000). Councilmember Arias revised motions: $50,000 to City Clerk's budget, $584,500 for picnic tables and accessible paths at Roeding Park, and $100,000 for a gun buyback program (matching from Crime Stoppers, funded by police attrition savings). Councilmember Vang made placeholder motions for repaving and concrete repairs in his district, plus $100,000 for Mong Inc. to support Hmong New Year celebration. Councilmember Perea added $100,000 for Fresno Youth Leadership Academy, $120,000 for Shine Fresno, $25,000 for NAMI, $50,000 for Tower District Library (increased from $30,000), and $120,000 additional for spay/neuter to maximize a Dogwood match, totaling potential $825,000. Councilmember Karbasi moved $77,200 for Stallion Park, $447,100 for design of a new park at Veterans and Barstow, $200,000 for acceleration of a west-side park, $25,000 for African American Community Council, $35,000 for yellow light timing evaluation at top 10 red-light-running intersections, and $150,000 contingent for Sister Cities International. Council President Esparza amended motions for property acquisition at First and Clinton ($650,000) and school traffic safety improvements ($760,000), plus $30,000 for a feasibility study on Olive Avenue safety.
• Questions on RFIs: Councilmember Karbasi questioned Public Works Director Scott Moser about the $35,000 yellow light timing evaluation. Moser explained the technical analysis needed to adjust timings from current federal standards, noting potential pros and cons. Councilmember Arias asked about elevator at Chukchansi Park: General Services Director Morgan stated it is likely the operator's responsibility and replacement costs ~$1 million. Councilmember Karbasi suggested exploring financing options. Regarding Riverside Golf Course, Karbasi expressed frustration over lack of detailed breakdown for driving range improvements; city manager proposed taking lead from operator. Councilmember Arias raised concerns about $160,000 assessment for golf course infrastructure, questioning why city staff cannot inspect city-owned sewer lines. Parks Director Aaron Gary said assessment includes potholing and verification. Councilmember Arias also requested context on HART team memos (sustained complaints vs. total interactions) and details on infill development projects and AI software usage.
• Public Safety Discussion: Councilmember Karbasi confirmed with Deputy Chief Rob Beckliff that a trespassing incident at a school site resulting in lockdown would be a zero-priority call.
• Advanced Peace Funding: Councilmember Karbasi moved to fully fund Advanced Peace at current operating level, after hearing from program manager Aaron Foster about federal cuts. Mayor Dyer noted the city has already set aside $300,000 in cannabis funds for FY27 and additional $700,000 over two years; councilmembers agreed to work out exact numbers before final vote.

Key Outcomes

• A motion to approve all councilmember motions as submitted was made by Councilmember Arias and seconded by Councilmember Karbasi. The motion was pending at adjournment, with further reconciliation expected. The council will reconvene June 23, 2026, to adopt the final budget resolutions, including salary, position authorization, appropriation, GANN limit, investment policy, and property tax override. The vote on budget motions will be finalized at that meeting.