Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Visalia public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.