Title
SUBJECT: Discuss Proposed Goals, Priorities, Town Halls, Budget and Financial Fiscal Year Timeline
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council Member Smith’s request to discuss how Goals and Priorities and Town Halls should be organized with the budget process and exploring options for a biennial budget cycle.
RECOMMENDATION
Discuss and provide direction to staff on proposed goals, priorities, town halls, and financial timeline.
Body
DISCUSSION
During the June 2, 2025, City Council meeting, Council Member Smith requested to discuss how Goals and Priorities and Town Halls should be organized with the budget process and exploring options for a biennial budget cycle. The request was seconded by Council Member Harris.
On August 4, 2025, the City Council discussed with staff feedback options to organize town halls, goal and priority setting, budget planning, and other financial reviews (Mid-Year and Five-Year Forecast) in a more efficient process.
The first attachment outlines a current versus proposed timeline for Goals and Priorities, Town Halls, and financial presentations to the City Council based on the August 4, 2025, discussion. This calendar would be for the benefit and most impactful to the City Council.
There was some discussion on if the City could implement a biennial budget. The City of Merced Charter requires a one-year (annual) budget be adopted every year. In order to adopt a two-year (biennial) budget, the city would need to put a measure on the ballot. The City Council was not in favor of moving in that direction. Further discussion included the possibility of planning a two-year budget administratively but only adopting an annual budget each year. The proposed budget calendars attached for FY 26-27 and 27-28 would be used for internal staff planning. They have been revised to incorporate timing and deliverables of the proposed fiscal year timeline.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Goals, Priorities, and Financial Timeline
2. Proposed Budget Calendar for FY 26-27
3. Proposed Budget Calendar for FY 27-28
4. Article XI – Fiscal Administration
5. Presentation