On June 11, the Hercules City Council approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), a key action to fund everyday City services, like police, parks and road maintenance, and guide investments in Hercules’ future.
The $43 million budget for FY 2024-25 balances City revenues with expenditures while maintaining some reserves for economic uncertainty. Its approval follows a series of budget workshops in March and April and the Council’s adoption of 2024-26 Strategic Goals in May.
“The City of Hercules is dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life and expanding opportunities to make our City an even more wonderful place to live, work and play,” said Hercules Mayor Dan Romero. “Our budget is lean and we have a number of future needs, but we are balanced. I am proud of the extensive thought, effort and input that went into this budget, both from City Hall and the public, and look forward to what we will all accomplish together in the year ahead.”
The City Council adopts the budget in June of each year for the following fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30. The budget development process is continuous and includes public communication throughout the year. The budget funds key priorities that keep our City running smoothly.
The City’s FY 2024-25 budget and CIP were anchored by five key priorities and principles: prudent financial management; public safety; traffic, transportation and infrastructure; quality of life; and future planning and policies initiatives. These priorities are reflected throughout the budget, as well as in the capital projects funded for FY 2024-25, such as:
- Construction of the Refugio Park picnic area and shade structure project
- Repairs to 10 public buildings, including City Hall, the Community Swim Center and the Ohlone Community Center
- Completion of the final design of Beechnut Park
- Resurfacing of recreational courts at the Foxboro Park
As the City enters the new fiscal year, it will be heavily guided by the newly adopted 2024-26 Council Strategic Goals. On April 13, the City Council held a goal-setting workshop to discuss key priorities, recent successes and best practices. On May 28, the Council approved seven Strategic Goals for FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26:
- Advance progress of the Hercules Hub
- Take steps to address the City’s fiscal sustainability
- Improve community transparency and communication
- Continue investing in a winning team at City Hall
- Plan and fund major infrastructure
- Develop a comprehensive land-use strategy
- Develop a comprehensive economic development strategy
Each Council Strategic Goal is backed by specific strategies and tactical steps to achieve them. In future budget cycles, the City will continue to plan thoughtfully and responsibly with funds to support our City’s foundation as we envision a thriving future.
To learn more about Hercules’ efforts and plans for Fiscal Year 24-25, view the budget and CIP document or view the Council agendas from the May 28 and June 11 meetings.