The Surprise City Council has set the wheels in motion for the city's Fiscal Year 2026, putting forth a Tentative Budget that emphasizes law enforcement, transportation, and enhanced community amenities. During their session on Tuesday, council members laid out their fiscal blueprint, affirming their allegiance to the city's strategic aims previously distilled in an extensive update to the City Council Strategic Plan. According to a report by the City of Surprise, these objectives include a stout nod to public safety, a commitment to fortify transportation, a drive to improve the overall community experience, alongside pursuits in economic development, governmental transparency, and the prudent management of water and fiscal resources.
The proposed budget shows favor to the addition of 83 full-time positions, which encompasses 30 in public safety, 12 transport and street roles, 5 technology slots, alongside 9 community service positions. These augmentations come paired with the necessary supplies and services needed to keep these positions operational. A noteworthy highlight is the five-year capital improvement program nestled within the tentative financial plan, which aligns neatly with the Council's strategic objectives, spotlighting General Obligation Bond endeavors green-lighted by voters back in 2023. "Bond projects in the FY2026 tentative budget include a police substation, design of future public safety facilities and several transportation projects," official city documents state. Also fitting into the budget are allocations for pavement preservation and vehicle replacement, which are essential to upkeep the city's structural and equipment assets.
The tentative Budget will be $936.2 million in expenditures, plus transfers between funds, adding up to $58.9 million, bringing total utilization to $995.1 million. The budget breakdown allocates a significant $268.6 million for the General Fund, with an even heftier $304.6 million earmarked for Capital Projects. Approximately $218.5 million is destined to support Enterprise Funds, with the balance of $203.4 million apportioned to other governmental funds.
Residents keen on having a say on the budget will have their chance at a public hearing set for the June 3 Special City Council Meeting, starting at 6:00 p.m. Once the gavel drops on final approval from the Council, the FY2026 budget is scheduled to kick off July 1, 2025, and wrap up on June 30, 2026. Those who can't make it to the meetings in person have the option of tuning in via Surprise TV or catching the live stream online at surpriseaz.gov/surprisetv.
