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City Council Meeting LIVE
Published: Jun 17, 2026
FY 2026 Financial Update Shows Revenue Above Budget, Expenditures Below
The council received a presentation on the FY 2026 financial status report through March. While overall revenues were slightly above budget, driven by sales and intergovernmental taxes, franchise fees and charges for services were below projections. Expenditures were managed below budget across all categories. Council members sought clarification on the revenue shortfalls, which staff attributed to factors like lower utility payments, reduced business license fees, and a slowdown in permitting and inspection activity. The report indicated that local sales tax is the primary revenue source, with no city food tax in place.
Five Individuals Reappointed to City Commissions and Boards
The council unanimously approved the reappointment of five individuals to various city commissions and boards: Gwen Maxfield to the Veterans, Disability, and Human Services Commission; Julie Kent Partridge to the Veterans, Disability, and Human Services Commission; William Conyam to the Board of Trustees; Richard Jessen to the Judicial Selection Advisory Commission; and Connie Bowers to the Audit Committee. Terms for reappointment range from two to four years, with expirations in 2028 and 2030.
MAG Updates on Accelerated Funding for North Surprise Traffic Interchanges
The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) provided an update on regional transportation investments, specifically focusing on the North Surprise traffic interchanges. Two key projects were discussed: the US 60 Grand Avenue from Deer Valley Road to Loop 303, and the Loop 303 at 155th Avenue traffic interchange. The US 60 Grand Avenue project has combined two previously separate projects, extended its limits to Deer Valley Road, and accelerated construction funding to fiscal year 2031. The Loop 303 and 155th Avenue interchange has secured construction funding for fiscal year 2028. The presentation detailed the project development process from planning to construction and highlighted significant progress made over the last few years, including securing dedicated funding after voter approval of Prop 479. More than half a billion dollars in investment is anticipated for the Northwest Valley within the next five years. Public engagement was a primary focus, with multiple public meetings and media outreach conducted for the US 60 study and ADOT's interchange analysis.
Surprise Fiscal Year 2026 Revenues Exceed Budget, Expenditures Below Budget Through March
The council received a financial status report for FY 2026 through March. General fund revenues were approximately $600,000 (0.3%) above budget, primarily driven by strong local sales tax collections ($4.6 million above budget) and intergovernmental revenues ($1.8 million above budget). However, franchise fee revenues were down by $700,000, and there was a decrease of $5 million in one-time charges for services. Total general fund expenditures were approximately $2.8 million (1.5%) below budget, with savings in personnel, services, supplies, and capital expenditures. Council members inquired about the reasons for decreases in charges for services and franchise fees. Staff explained that franchise fees were affected by lower utility payments and reduced business license fees, while the decrease in charges for services was mainly due to a slowdown in permitting and inspection activity.
Surprise City Finances Show Positive Trends in FY 2026 Through March
The council received a presentation on the FY 2026 financial status report through March. Overall general fund revenues exceeded budget by 0.3%, largely due to strong local sales tax and intergovernmental revenue collections. However, franchise fees and charges for services were below projections. Expenditures remained below budget across all categories, resulting in a net surplus. Staff attributed revenue shortfalls to factors like lower utility payments, reduced business license fees, and a slowdown in permitting activity. Council members emphasized the importance of local sales tax as a primary revenue source and confirmed the absence of a city food tax.
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