Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Visalia public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in taxes budget
Labor negotiations with city employees
The council is negotiating employee contracts behind closed doors, covering every bargaining unit plus unrepresented staff. Whatever is agreed could affect city payroll costs and ultimately the budget.
Measure T police/fire sales tax recertification
The quarter-cent sales tax earmarked for police and fire was recertified; fire funding is projected to slip into deficit in later years if full staffing is reached, so the amended plan continues.
Two-year city budget
Council reviewed the final piece of the six-year capital plan — about $34 million worth of General Fund projects, from AEDs in parks to a pollution burden study to the community holiday tree. Councilers pushed back on a $150,000 pollution study, questioned the $50,000 civic center celebration, and asked staff to seek sponsors and grants to trim costs.
FY 2026-27 rates and fees
Most city fees rise about 3.09% with inflation starting July 1; impact fees tick down slightly; new parks program fees start with fall registration August 10.
Miscellaneous special assessments on the property tax roll
About $11.3 million in city charges — sewer connections, liens, code enforcement fines, weed abatement — goes on the county tax roll for 26,594 parcels. Several homeowners contested individual bills at the hearing.
Downtown Visalians accountability and TCBIA renewal
Farmers market operator April Lancaster told the council the Downtown Visilians' financial audit, forensic audit and executive director investigation have lacked transparency, and asked the city to enforce its management agreement over public assessment funds.
General Fund capital projects for FY 2026/27-2027/28
Council reviewed the final piece of the six-year capital plan — about $34 million worth of General Fund projects, from AEDs in parks to a pollution burden study to the community holiday tree. Councilers pushed back on a $150,000 pollution study, questioned the $50,000 civic center celebration, and asked staff to seek sponsors and grants to trim costs.
Six-year Capital Improvement Program
The city's capital wish list for the next six years totals $237 million, with $61.7 million proposed for the first two years. Wastewater treatment plant expansion is the biggest chunk, and several projects hinge on grant funding. A fee study could mean sewer rate increases in about a year.
Measure N sales tax spending plan renewal
The half-cent sales tax that funds police, fire, parks and roads gets a new ten-year plan (2027-2037), adding seven police officers, Fire Station 57, and increased street and park maintenance. The council holds a first hearing now and votes on approval May 4.
Workforce Vacancies and Recruitment
The city has 45 unfilled jobs out of 723 budgeted positions — a healthy 6.2% vacancy rate, far below the 20% state reporting threshold. Dispatch operator positions remain the hardest to fill statewide.
New city website launch
After a decade on the old site, the city showed off its redesigned website with easier navigation, a new SeeClickFix reporting tool, a public records portal and ADA compliance required by April 2026. It launches with council approval.
City financial health and audit results
The city got a clean audit and holds $24 million in emergency reserves (27.5% of spending, just shy of the 30% goal), though a new accounting rule added $5.6 million in sick-leave liability and there was one finding on cash reconciliation.