Lodi City Council approved a $291 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, a plan that city leaders say “will maintain core services and invest in critical infrastructure” despite a projected five-year structural deficit.
The newly adopted budget reflects an 8.35% increase over last year’s budget, driven by rising staff costs, materials, and supplies. General Fund revenues are expected to grow modestly by 4.1%, bolstered by new rental income and higher interest earnings.
City officials credit prudent planning and strategic use of reserves with allowing the city to keep services intact in an uncertain economic climate…