The City of Chandler is preparing for the next fiscal year with its eyes firmly set on financial prudence and quality service, as evident in two recent work sessions by the Chandler City Council. A string of discussions underscored the city's initiative to draft a budget that balances the fundamentals of service delivery and infrastructure with the lowest sales tax rate in Arizona. Despite the planned uptick in utility rates, residents will still boast some of the most affordable service costs across the Valley, as per details from the council’s presentation.
Looking at the upcoming 2025-2026 fiscal year, Chandler is banking on a stable, albeit decelerating, local spending trend. The city's general fund chiefly relies on sales tax and state-shared revenues, and it seems they'll stay the course on this financial path. There's an overarching goal to sustain service levels while acknowledging the uptick in costs driven by inflation. The city has been lauded for its fiscal strategies that uphold strong financial reserves and a structurally balanced budget, with ongoing revenues covering ongoing expenditures, and one-time revenues apportioned for one-time expenditures.
At the top of the priority chart for the budget plan are expenditures leaning heavily on public safety, infrastructural integrity, tech enhancements, lifestyle boosts, and neighborhood services. "Chandler also aims to maintain its funding obligations in the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System, benefiting first responders who have served our community," according to their recent budget work session presentation.
The City Council also chewed on the status of federal grants, given the interim sanctuary offered by the federal government’s continuing resolution. The talk veered towards the possibility of turning some grant-supported programs into permanent fixtures, presumably to ensure that homelessness prevention strategies, including community navigators, temporary housing, and heat relief shelters, have more enduring roots in the city. Property tax rates, property valuation trends also entered the conversation with council members considering keeping the secondary tax rate flat, and possibly recalibrating the primary tax rate to provide stability for Chandler residents.
Shifts in focus during the discussions led to the capital improvement program and particularly the recommendations by the resident bond exploratory committee. These include investments in street improvements, public safety, and parks and recreation. The sterling AAA bond ratings held by Chandler promise low financing costs, which translates to taxpayer savings when funding significant capital improvements. On the table are projects like the first phase development of Mesquite Groves Park, revamps to Dr. A. J. Chandler Park, and updates to water and wastewater facilities.
Looking ahead, the City Council is all set to cast their votes during the tentative adoption of the budget and capital improvement program slated for the May 22 meeting.
