Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Wasco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in taxes budget with high priority
Utility rate workshop coming November 10
Staff announced the first workshop on utility rates for Tuesday, November 10 at 4 p.m. — this is where future water bills could start taking shape, so it's worth tuning in.
New city facilities financing
The council is weighing how to pay for a new police department/city hall complex and a public works campus, with loan scenarios from $8M to $12M and a structured-loan option that could save about $5 million. Members want digestible public-facing materials before any decision, knowing residents will scrutinize the price tag.
Audit-related budget adjustment of $111,523.25
Wasco is in strong shape financially — about $25.6 million in general fund reserves, well above the 35% policy minimum. The council added $406,224 to the current-year budget, mostly from higher sales tax and Measure X projections, but Reyna pushed hard on recession worries and asked everyone to plan cautiously.
FY 2026-27 budget reaffirmed under AB 2561
The proposed budget projects $18.2 million in revenue against conservative spending, showing a $1.4 million deficit (or $931,000 excluding tech reclassification). Council wants quarterly updates, a realistic capital project list, and six-month budgeting of vacant posts before adoption on June 16. Your city services and potential rate impacts hang on how this gets resolved.
Return to County CDBG Program
Wasco is applying for up to $3.6 million in state CDBG money — $300K for the PAL youth facility and $3.3 million for a 1.5-million-gallon second water tank. Staff says the tank's added storage could support about 400 new homes, though a new well is still needed down the road.