At the April 30 budget study session, Council members questioned several aspects of the Town Manager’s recommended capital budget for fiscal 2026. The discussion focused on major areas of spending: water, public safety, streets, parks, and town facilities. Mayor Winfield presided over the session but did not ask questions. Staff answered each question and said that the current proposal reflects priorities identified in the Council's strategic plan.
Water spending and NWRRDS funding
Several questions focused on the largest area of capital spending: the Water Utility, which accounts for 62% of the $45.6 million recommended CIP. Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett asked for clarification on how much of the Northwest Recharge, Recovery, and Delivery System (NWRRDS) project is new spending versus carryover from the current year. Staff responded that approximately $8 million is carryover and $16.7 million is new funding.
Barrett also requested that future reports distinguish between groundwater preservation fees, which are paid by all water users, and water impact fees, which are paid by developers. “It would be helpful to have those separated out, since they are different sources of funding,” she said.
Multiple councilmembers commented on the large share of parks funding being spent at the Community Center. Vice Mayor Barrett raised concerns about over-concentrating capital spending in one part of town, saying: “It kind of feels like we just keep putting more and more and more money onto this one area… I hope that [residents in that area] will also support funding other areas of our town.”
Councilmember Mary Murphy and Councilmember Mo Green supported the proposed $950,000 to resurface the Community Center parking lot, citing safety concerns and visible deterioration. Staff explained that the pavement is crumbling and poses trip hazards. Councilmember Joyce Robb added that the older part of the lot “definitely seems like there are trip hazards,” noting that she observed them during a recent site visit.
Traffic, streets, and intersections
Vice Mayor Barrett asked whether a traffic warrant study had been completed for the $750,000 traffic signal proposed at Tangerine Road and Musette Drive. Staff responded that traffic counts had been collected and a warrant analysis was underway. She also questioned the long-term deferral of the Moore Road and La Cholla Boulevard intersection improvements, a project she said residents continue to raise concerns about.
Councilmember Robb asked about the sidewalk program and whether $100,000 annually is enough. Staff responded that the program began two years ago and that the request for next year is intended to “catch up” on backlogged repairs before scaling down to $25,000 in future years.
Parks projects and equity concerns
There was strong support among councilmembers for moving a proposed $250,000 Naranja Park shade structure from the contingent project list into the funded budget. Councilmember Nicolson said he hears frequent complaints about the lack of shade, and Councilmember Jones-Ivey asked whether drainage issues might interfere with construction. Staff said drainage is being monitored but is no longer a barrier to building shade structures.
Barrett also questioned the proposed $350,000 multi-use path near Lambert Lane, asking whether it serves the highest-priority need in the town’s trail system. Councilmember Robb suggested earmarking the funds generally for multi-use paths, to be directed to the top priority identified in the updated trails plan.
Police facility planning and project timing
Vice Mayor Barrett urged caution on the $36 million police facility project currently listed in future years of the CIP. She supported the $400,000 in the FY 2026 budget for continued planning but said, “It seems a little optimistic to me to say that in next year’s budget we’ll have something ready for $18 million.” Staff responded that the project is still in the contingent list and that scope and funding are yet to be defined.
Operations yard and long-term use
Councilmembers discussed whether to remove a $50,000 project for decommissioning the Municipal Operations Center (MOC), given that the Town also proposes spending $450,000 on fencing and other upgrades at the same location. “If you’re going to go in one direction, you wouldn’t do one of the other,” said Barrett. Councilmembers agreed to remove the decommissioning project from the long-range plan, since there are no plans to relocate Transit or Water Utility operations.
Next steps
This was the first of five public meetings on the FY 2026 budget. A follow-up session on the operating budget is scheduled for tonight. Public hearings are set for June 4 (tentative adoption) and June 18 (final adoption). Councilmembers may continue to refine budget priorities as those dates approach.
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