The State, most counties and cities are in massive deficits—and the Feds will not bail them out. I am accused of writing only about the negatives of California government and policy. That is because they are bad for everyone. But, here we have ONE city that is doing something right. But, it appears to be only one city.
“Dublin continues to maintain a healthy position, according to a city staff report. Nonetheless, city staff is projecting a revenue decline of $319,000 and an expense increase of $3.3 million compared to last year’s forecast, largely due to a sharp drop in an auto-related sales tax, the city’s largest single source of revenue. Still, Dublin anticipates a $17.4 million operating surplus for 2025-26, and reserves of over $259 million.
The council will hear about more than $109 million in planned infrastructure investments from 2024 to 2029, including $33.5 million funded by the General Fund.”
Congrats to Dublin!!
Dublin Previews Big Park Projects, Eyes Big Budget Surplus
The Dublin City Council will review new investments in parks, streets, and facilities as city staff projects a $17.4M surplus.
Michael Wittner, Patch Staff, 4/14/25 https://patch.com/california/dublin/dublin-previews-big-park-projects-eyes-big-budget-surplus#google_vignette
DUBLIN, CA — The Dublin City Council will review a preliminary update to to its Fiscal Year 2025-26 General Fund budget and a receive a five-year Capital Improvement Program update ahead of official adoption in June.
Dublin continues to maintain a healthy position, according to a city staff report. Nonetheless, city staff is projecting a revenue decline of $319,000 and an expense increase of $3.3 million compared to last year’s forecast, largely due to a sharp drop in an auto-related sales tax, the city’s largest single source of revenue. Still, Dublin anticipates a $17.4 million operating surplus for 2025-26, and reserves of over $259 million.
The council will hear about more than $109 million in planned infrastructure investments from 2024 to 2029, including $33.5 million funded by the General Fund. Upcoming projects include street resurfacing; renovations at Kolb Park, Fallon Sports Park, and the Iron Horse Nature Park and Open Space; shade structures at The Wave, and upgrades to Village Parkway and the Dublin Arts Center.
City staff note a potential operating deficit beginning in 2030-31 if current revenue projections and spending patterns continue.
See here to learn more about upcoming capital improvements, and here to learn about the budget. See here for the full meeting agenda. The Dublin City Council meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Dublin Civic Center. It will also be live-streamed starting at 7:30 on tv30.org and on the city website.
If the rest of California wants a taste of this or even to break even, the Demorats will have to be shown the door next year on Election Day.