Your Input Matters: City Budget Discussion Set for Monday
If you have strong feelings about any City program—from aquatics to the Explorer Program to street sweeping—this is your moment to put those views on the record before budget decisions are made.
Welcome new subscribers, thank you for your support!
I've been working on a little project this week and would love to get your feedback. Introducing ... the La Verne Daily Bond Bot (now in beta). This chatbot is designed to answer your questions about Bonita Unified's proposed Measure A school bond, based on my reporting thus far. What would you like to know?
P.S. I hope to see you at the "Sip of La Verne" Wine Walk tonight. Stop by the La Verne Daily table, pick up a free La Verne sticker, and say "Hi" to my friends from the La Verne Historical Society. The Society will be selling its infamous jams, jellies and marmalades, as well as t-shirts, to raise funds for ongoing programming.
Staci
City Council to Weigh Program Costs, $1.87M Deficit
La Verne City Council will discuss the City’s 2026 Strategic Plan and Program Review at its April 20 meeting. The council’s feedback and direction will guide the city manager’s recommended FY 2026–27 budget.
Why it matters: The discussion will help determine which City services are maintained, adjusted or reduced in the next budget cycle. Now is the time for residents to weigh in before decisions are finalized.
🔗 City Council Meeting Agenda Packet for April 20 (page 346)
🗣️ How to Comment
- In person at City Hall—fill out a speaker card before the item is called. All comments are limited to 3 minutes.
- By email to cityclerk@LaVerneCA.gov—submitted by noon April 20; comments are shared with the full Council and become part of the public record
- Via Zoom—visit LaVerneCA.gov/zoom or call 1-669-900-6833, ID: 859 1567 5867; raise your hand to request to comment. All comments are limited to 3 minutes.
A Feb. 7 strategic planning session identified long-term financial concerns. Without changes, the City’s general fund reserves could fall to about 1% by 2031. The projected structural deficit for FY 2026–27 is about $1.87 million.
General fund reserves give the City a financial cushion to keep services running when revenues fall, costs spike, or emergencies hit—helping avoid abrupt service cuts and supporting stronger creditworthiness.
The program review includes a department-by-department cost analysis of City services, including cost recovery, legal requirements, who benefits and alignment with the City's four strategic priorities: financial stability, stakeholder engagement, adaptive public safety and resilient infrastructure. Some items are included for transparency and do not necessarily indicate cuts.
Learn more and see a breakdown of programs.
Staci Baird
