Menlo Park Development News

Menlo Park City Council Approves Balanced Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget, Includes Salary Adjustments and Phased Fee Increases

The City Council of Menlo Park approved the fiscal year 2026-27 budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), including salary schedule amendments and the extension of utility rate assistance programs. The budget, totaling $151.1 million with a $89.9 million general fund, was balanced without using reserves, a significant achievement from an initial projected $7.9 million deficit. Key actions included adopting resolutions for the budget, appropriations limit, salary schedule amendments, utility rate assistance extension, and award/bid requirements. The Council also decided to revert animal clinic and retail sales/services to their existing status and to keep therapeutic massage services restricted, rather than moving them to general personal services. A phased increase in gymnastics fees, starting with a 20% increase, was also approved for future consideration.