Agenda Item Wording:
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Measure N Public Hearing- Conduct the first of two public hearings on the proposed 10-year plan (2027-2037) and approve the 2026/27 & 2027/28 proposed budget.
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Agenda Date: 04/20/2026
Prepared by: Renee Nagel, Finance and Technology Director,559-713-4375, Renee.Nagel@visalia.gov, Amee Swearingen, Budget Analyst, 559-713-4170, Amee.Swearingen@visalia.gov
Department Recommendation: That the City Council conduct the first of two public hearings to receive comment on the proposed 2027-2037 10-year plan for Measure N and the 2026/27 & 2027/28 Measure N proposed budget.
Summary:
Measure N has been able to enhance the City by adding and equipping 57 essential positions, growing youth services, and improving streets, parks, trails, and buildings over the last nine fiscal years. Next fiscal year completes the original plan. The proposed new 10-year plan is a continuation of current services and continues to add additional resources.
Background Discussion:
In November of 2016, the voters of Visalia passed a 1/2 cent Sales Tax Override, Measure N also known as Visalia Essential City Services Measure. Sales Tax from Measure N provides essential city services such as police, fire, and recreation, as well as maintenance of parks, trails, and roads. The measure uses a detailed, 10-year plan which includes hiring of personnel, construction of capital projects and equipment purchases.
As part of the measure, Council adopted an Accountability Ordinance (Ordinance 16-21) to establish accountability measures as outlined:
Revenue Requirements:
* 10% of budgeted revenues must be maintained in an Uncertainty Fund. This money can only be accessed during a fiscal emergency;
* 10% of budgeted revenues must be deposited into the following two categories:
o 2% into Youth Programs
o 8% into Maintenance and Emerging Needs
Expenditure Requirements:
* Tax money shall not be used for debt service payments;
* The annual expenditure plan must be appr...
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