Lodi city officials this week unveiled a proposed $89.7 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year that preserves current staffing and services, even as projections show a $4.8 million structural deficit emerging over the next five years.
Councilmembers and city staff presented a revised spending plan that avoids cuts to full-time positions but emphasizes service maintenance over expansion. Budget Manager Jennelle Baker said the plan uses targeted reductions and adjustments to close the gap for the upcoming year, including approximately $1 million in departmental cuts.
The review began Tuesday with a focus on the city’s General Fund and Measure L budgets, which together account for most discretionary spending. These support police, fire, parks, and other administrative services…