City set to talk about its budget

LANCASTER — The City Council will hold a joint public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2020-21 budget and five-year capital improvement plan at Tuesday’s meeting.

The proposed budget and capital improvement plan totals $245.8 million including $98.3 million for the capital improvement program. The California Choice Energy proposed fiscal year 2020-21 budget totals $1.6 million, according to a staff report.

City staff compiled the proposed 2020-21 budget in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“With the direction of the City Council, staff has taken a conservative approach to developing a budget which ensures financial stability through the unknown duration of this pandemic, while allowing flexibility to respond quickly to changing community needs,” the report said.

The city redirected staff resources and funding toward services and programs to help residents and local businesses during the ongoing pandemic, including Project Door Drop and Feed the Need, Stand Strong Business Recovery Loan Program and Operation Jump Start.

The City Council and CalChoice Board will consider the proposed 2020-21 budget and capital improvement plan and proposed CalChoice fiscal year budget for adoption on

June 23.

Tuesday’s meeting is set for 5 p.m. The meeting will be conducted at telephonically and video streamed live on Channel 28 and the city’s website at https:// www.cityoflancasterca.org/ about-us/departments-services/city-clerk/meetings-agendas-and-minutes/public-meetings-web-streaming

Public comments on agendized items may be received by dialing 877853-5257 using meeting id: 927 7525 2483# password: 040808#