SE Valley Times

The City of Mesa has initiated its budget planning for the 2025/26 fiscal year and is seeking input from its residents. This process began with a presentation to the City Council by Management & Budget Director Brian A. Ritschel and Operations Budget Coordinator Kristi Griffin. Over the coming weeks, each city department will present their budget proposals to the City Council until April 24. To ensure transparency and include public opinion, the city will organize two community information sessions in May.

According to Mesa City Manager Chris Brady, "The City of Mesa has done an excellent job managing its finances and building reserves over the past several years, and that approach is now paying off as we navigate more challenging economic conditions." He emphasized the need for prudent planning to maintain the city's financial health.

A mandatory budget cut of at least 2% has been imposed on all city departments to offset the impacts of recent financial challenges, including the elimination of the residential rental tax and increased costs related to public safety and maintenance.

"Mesa continues to be in a strong financial position thanks to careful planning and sound fiscal management," stated Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. He encouraged residents to participate in the budgetary process, saying, "Your input on City priorities and services is invaluable as we make decisions that will affect our community."

The City of Mesa will hold two community sessions for further input on the budget:

- Tuesday, May 7, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Red Mountain Center

- Tuesday, May 14, 2025, at 6 p.m. at The Post

Residents have the option to review the budget documents and provide feedback online at mesaaz.gov/budget. The city plans to adopt a tentative budget on May 19, after public input and City Council review, with the final budget adoption scheduled for June 2. The new budget will be effective starting July 1, 2025.